Police Officer Edward Perez, Miami Beach Police Department, Florida

Police Officer Edward Perez

Miami Beach Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Thursday, August 19, 2021

Add to My Heroes

Edward Perez

Police Officer Eddie Perez died from complications of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty while assisting with recovery efforts at the collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium building at 8777 Collins Avenue in Surfside, Florida.

Officer Perez served with the Miami Beach Police Department for 25 years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, parents, and two sisters.

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 55
Tour 25 years
Badge 541

Incident Details

Cause COVID19
Incident Date Monday, July 5, 2021

communicable disease, COVID-19, search and rescue

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Most Recent Reflection

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Papa,
I just found this website today and I'm so happy I did. The reason I found it was because I told my friend that I met at COPS camp that I had never looked up your name before. This website was the first to pop up and I sat and read every single message that people have wrote to you with tears in my eyes. This friend I made at COPS camp is one of the many I've made through the process of grieving your loss. I met them the summer after you passed and I'm truly grateful for them. They've shaped me into the young lady I am today, I hope you're proud. I'm 15 now and if you saw me, you wouldn't recognize me. I'm sure you'd be impressed with how much I've grown, how my dark my hair has gotten, and how I now have braces to fix my crooked teeth. I am in high school now, following the path you guided me and inspired me to pursue. I miss you everyday and I wish you were here to watch me grow up, but you left me in good hands, and I am forever thankful. I'll check up on you soon I promise. I love you forever.

Your daughter,
Julia

Julia Perez
Daughter

November 30, 2025