Captain Jonathan David Parnell

Captain Jonathan David Parnell

Detroit Police Department, Michigan

End of Watch Tuesday, March 24, 2020

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Jonathan David Parnell

Captain Jonathan Parnell died as the result of complications after contracting COVID-19 while on duty.

Captain Parnell had served with the Detroit Police Department for 31 years and was assigned to the Homicide Unit. He is survived by three sons.


The Effects of COVID on Law Enforcement

Beginning in early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country began to contract COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Due to the nature of their job, law enforcement officers were required to work and interact with the community even as the majority of the country was self-quarantined. As a result, hundreds of officers died from COVID-related illnesses and other complications.

Corrections agencies, in particular, suffered tremendous losses due to the constant and close proximity between the corrections officers and large inmate populations. Since March 2020, ODMP has verified that over 900 law enforcement officers have died as the result of a confirmed or presumed exposure while on duty and continues to work with hundreds of other agencies that have suffered a COVID-related death.

Visit ODMP's COVID-19 memorial listing every officer who has died as a result of a confirmed or presumed exposure.

Bio

  • Age Not available
  • Tour 31 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause COVID19

communicable disease, COVID-19

Most Recent Reflection

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You are missed so much, Recon! We still sit around reflecting on how much of an impact you had on all of us and we still share COP stories from the good ole days. I think of you everyday and will forever hold you in my heart. Continue to Rest In Peace!! #NeverForgotten

Lieutenant Dana Russell
Detroit Police Department

March 24, 2022

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