The Houston Police Department is mourning the loss of 60-year old Earnest Leal, Jr., who has served the police force for 36 years. Leal died of Covid late Friday.
Leal is the first Houston police officer to die from complications related to Covid 19. Three Harris County Sheriff's Deputies and a Constable Deputy with Precinct Five have also died from the virus this year.
Leal first contracted Covid in October and was hospitalized on November 18.
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo tweeted the news Friday night.
photo courtesy of Houston Police Department