LAFD firefighter dies from complications of COVID-19
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of their own after a firefighter died from COVID-19.
Firefighter III/Paramedic Jose M. Perez passed away at a local hospital from complications of COVID-19 on Saturday, July 25.
According to the agency, Perez is the first firefighter in the department to die from the disease.
Perez was 44-years-old and leaves behind a wife and three children. He has been with the department for over 16 years.
“Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas and the entire Department send their deepest and most sincere condolences to the Perez family,'' according to a department statement.
Since the start of the pandemic nearly 145 LAFD employees have tested
positive for COVID-19. 108 employees have so far recovered and are back at work and 36 are recovering at home.
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