LAPD Sergeant dies from COVID-19 complications
Sgt. Amelia "Terry" Martinez
LOS ANGELES - A Los Angeles Police Department sergeant has died of complications from COVID-19, Chief Michel Moore announced Wednesday.
Sgt. Amelia "Terry" Martinez, 53, who was assigned to the Hollenbeck Division, died Tuesday, Moore said.
Martinez served the citizens of Los Angeles for over 27 years.
She is the third LAPD officer and the fifth LAPD employee to died from the coronavirus.
"Our deepest condolences go out to Sergeant Martinez’s entire family, colleagues, and friends in this most difficult time," said Moore. "Her passing is a loss for not only her brothers and sisters here in the Department, but for the people of Los Angeles who she dedicated her life to protecting and serving."
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Sgt. Martinez is survived by her sons, Robert and Steven, and her daughter Amanda Lara, as well as her mother and several siblings.
"Sergeant Martinez, we thank you for your service and you will be greatly missed," said Moore. "May God welcome you home and may God bless the Los Angeles Police Department."
In a statement Wednesday night, Governor Gavin Newsom said he and his wife were "profoundly saddened" to learn of Martinez's death, adding that flags at the state capitol building would be flown at half-staff in her honor.
"Her bravery, decades of selfless service to the people of Los Angeles and sacrifice will never be forgotten," Newsom said in the statement. ''We offer our deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and members of the Los Angeles community as they grieve her loss.''
The other LAPD employees who have died of coronavirus complications are Police Service representative Raymond Guerrero, 24, who died earlier this month; Sgt. Fred Cueto, a 22-year veteran who died in December; and detention Officer Erica McAdoo, 39, and Officer Valentin Martinez, 45, who both died last July.
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CNS contributed to this report.