As the New York Police Department grapples with more sick calls, the police force has announced a second death in two days related to the coronavirus.
The NYPD says Giacomina Barr-Brown, assigned to the 49th Precinct Roll Call office, died Thursday night in her home. Barr-Brown was a seven-year veteran of the department whose job was making sure patrol and administrative assignments were covered in her precinct.
The news of the civilian member's death came almost 24 hours after the death of Dennis Dickson, a custodial assistant with the department for 14 years.
"We are sad to announce the passing of our own NYPD family member, Custodial Assistant Dennis Dickson. Mr. Dickson faithfully served this department for 14 yrs & is the 1st member to succumb to the COVID-19 virus. Our thoughts go out to his loved ones during this time," the NYPD tweeted.
Dickson once spent 17 days at the police department's headquarters building during Super Storm Sandy and assisted with emergency cleanup operations, according to the department.
"Mr. Dickson was again on the front line cleaning and disinfecting 1 Police Plaza so that our personnel could be here safely, allowing them to continue to serve the people of the City Of New York," the NYPD said in a statement.
News 4 also learned late Thursday that Deputy Commissioner John Miller tested positive for COVID-19. Multiple law enforcement officials said Miller is in Lenox Hill Hospital for treatment.
Sources say Miller is alert and in good spirits, and he's been taking calls from family and friends throughout the day.
News
More than 10 percent of NYPD cops and FDNY members were out sick as of Thursday, and while not all of those are because of COVID-19, between the two departments more than 400 people have been infected.
