Flags at the state capitol will be flown at half-staff to honor two Los Angeles Police Department officers who died last week of COVID-19, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday.
Officer Philip Sudario died Jan. 25 and Sgt. Patricia Guillen died Jan. 28. They were the sixth and seventh department employees to die of complications from COVID-19.
“Jennifer and I were devastated to learn two more dedicated public servants had their lives cut short by this virus” Newsom said. “Their deaths are a painful reminder of the risk first responders face daily.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Sudario and Sergeant Guillen as they cope with these tragic losses.”
A 22-year veteran of LAPD, Guillen, 59, was assigned to the 77th Community Police Station in South Los Angeles. Sudario, 53, a 25-year veteran officer, was assigned to the Southeast Community Police Station in South Los Angeles.
The day after Guillen’s death, Security Officer Dexter De Los Santos died after working more than eight years in that position within the Security Services Division, LAPD said.
Other LAPD employees who have died of complications from COVID-19 are Sgt. Amelia “Terry” Martinez, 53, who died Jan. 12; police service representative Raymond Guerrero, a 24-year veteran who died Jan. 7; Sgt. Fred Cueto, a 22-year veteran who died in December; and non-sworn detention officer Erica McAdoo, 39, and Officer Valentin Martinez, 45, who both died in July.