Sergeant Jose Ramon Rivera, Suffolk Police Department, Virginia

Sergeant Jose Ramon Rivera

Suffolk Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Monday, May 31, 2021

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Jose Ramon Rivera

Sergeant Jose Rivera died as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty while assigned to Precinct 2 at 3903 Bridge Road in Suffolk.

Sergeant Rivera was a United States Marine Corps veteran who had served 14 years with the Suffolk Police Department. He is survived by his wife.

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 59
Tour 14 years
Badge 424
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause COVID19
Incident Date Sunday, April 18, 2021

communicable disease, COVID-19

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Most Recent Reflection

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Sgt Rivera,

It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since you were taken from us. I know you may not be with us physically however I know you are with each and everyone one of us spiritually protecting us.

I remember the very first day you were sitting on the desks in the roll call room going over expectations you had for me as a new officer and the preaching of knowing your zone! I also remember our conversations about things more deeply and personally and looking up to you as a father figure. You have always been someone I looked up to. I may have not had the honor to have known you long but you certainly made an impact in my life!

We miss you very much! Continue to rest easy sir!

Detective Tamara Jamison
Suffolk Police Department

May 31, 2025