COVID Risks Plague Kansas City Metro Police

A tragic recent death brings the public's attention back to the safety of front line workers and first responders  . . . 

Important law enforcement testimony . . .

For Overland Park's Fraternal Order of Police President Sgt. Brandon Faber, this is the third officer he's lost in the past 15 months. He said for more than a year it's felt like they were trying to come out of a fog, and things were getting better when they got the news about Officer Castro, and the feelings came rolling back.

"It's getting kinda tough burying our people," Faber said.

He said about 75% of the department is vaccinated. He'd like that to be 100%.

"My hope is that it does drive more people to get vaccinated," Faber said.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news links . . .

23-year-old Overland Park officer's death from COVID-19 inspires others to get vaccinated

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - Overland Park police officers say losing a young officer to COVID-19 is hitting them hard. One of 23-year-old Officer Freddie Castro's friends said his battle inspired him to get vaccinated. Castro made a huge impact on the department in the short time he was with them.

Visitation, services announced for OPPD officer who died of COVID-19

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Overland Park police officer who died Tuesday after contracting COVID-19 will be laid to rest next week. Freddie Castro, 23, was diagnosed with the virus in July , according to the Overland Park Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 21. A visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., Sept.

Law enforcement fatalities due to COVID-19 cause concern, task force examines impact

OVERLAND PARK, KS (KCTV) -- As family members prepare to lay Overland Park Police Officer Freddie Castro to rest after his battle with COVID-19, a task force is examining the impact of the deadly virus on law enforcement. On Tuesday, fellow officers helped escort fallen officer 23-year-old Freddie Castro from the hospital where he fought COVID-19 for 37 days.

Developing . . .