Detention Officer Kendall Leroy Thomas

Detention Officer Kendall Leroy Thomas

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Arizona

End of Watch Friday, September 10, 2021

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Kendall Leroy Thomas

Detention Officer Kendall Thomas died as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.

Detention Officer Thomas had served with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office for 13 years. He is survived by his wife and children.


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 47
  • Tour 13 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause COVID19
  • Incident Date Monday, August 9, 2021

communicable disease, COVID-19

Most Recent Reflection

View all 3 Reflections

Officer Thomas,
On today, the 2nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Maricopa County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Detention/Corrections Officer.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 10, 2023

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