Photo: CBS 12
For Protecting the Palm Beaches, the West Palm Beach police chief is speaking out about the death of an officer to COVID-19.
"This is a big loss for us."
Chief Frank Adderley is referring to 36-year old Anthony Testa, who lost his battle with the coronavirus last weekend. The veteran who was an Army medic brought those skills with him to countless shooting scenes.
"This guy was a warrior. He spent time in combat for the United States Army. Then he came to West Palm Beach, where he worked in the most violent neighborhood in our city."
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, COVID is the number one killer of cops, with close to 200 succumbing to the virus after contracting it in the line of duty.
"The number speaks volumes. When you see this increase, we have to make sure that we're not only just keeping ourselves safe but the people in the public as well."
The chief says access to safety supplies has scaled up and masks are required.
Testa was the second West Palm Beach police officer to die from COVID-19. Officer Robert Williams passed away in August.