2nd Austin PD Officer Dies Of COVID-19

Austin TX

26 August, 2021

4:55 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — A second Austin police officer has died from COVID-19, authorities announced Thursday. This is the second virus-related death reported for the department in the last 24 hours. Police identified the second officer as Senior Sgt. Steve Urias. Authorities have yet to release any information on Urias' service with APD. This death marks the second COVID-19-related death for the department since the pandemic begun. On Wednesday, the department announced Senior Police Officer Randolph Boyd, who joined the department in 2014, died after a "valiant fight" with the coronavirus. Boyd, leaves behind a wife and twin sons, officials said. MORE ON THAT STORY: Austin PD Officer Dies Of COVID-19, 1st In Department Interim Police Chief Joseph Chacon released a statement Wednesday on Boyd's death and called him a "great officer who gave everything he had for a life of service." Authorities said the department has 41 officers out on COVID-19 leave. Of those, three are currently hospitalized. Austin Police Association President Ken Casaday told KXAN Wednesday how serious some of the officers' conditions are right now. "We have officers that are on ventilators now, not doing well," Casaday told the news station. Austin Mayor Steve Adler said in a Twitter post Thursday the city is continuing to evaluate all available options to keep the community safe, including its officers. "COVID is an equal opportunity killer. It doesn't care if you're a hero or if you're physically strong. Police officers are in harm's way every day, but the virus makes interactions even riskier," Adler said. RELATED COVERAGE:Get A COVID-19 Shot, Get A Free Wristband To ACL Fest 2021 Man In Stable Condition After Being Shot By Austin Police Austin's Bat Fest 2021 Canceled After City Denies Event Permit ACL Fest 2021 Will Require Proof Of COVID Vaccine, Negative Test