Tri-Valley Sheriff's Deputy Honored After Losing COVID-19 Fight

DANVILLE, CA — Friday was a somber day at the Alameda County Sheriff's Office after deputy and Danville resident Oscar Rocha, 56, lost his battle with the coronavirus Thursday evening.

Rocha — a nearly 25-year veteran of the sheriff's office — was remembered as a hardworking family man who dedicated his life to community service as an Alameda County Sheriff's deputy. The California High School graduate married high school sweetheart Maureen Ennor Rocha, who previously said she was only able to see him once during the first two weeks of his hospitalization at John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek. Rocha was on a ventilator and in critical condition as of last week.

He also leaves behind an adult son, adult stepchildren and parents.

"He put up a courageous fight to the end and will never be forgotten," the sheriff's office said in a tweet. "May he rest in eternal peace."

Rocha's death is being treated as a line-of-duty death because he's believed to have fallen ill while working in the booking area of Santa Rita Jail during the facility's first outbreak, said Alameda County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Tya Modeste. Days after the sheriff's office told the public that a deputy was seriously ill, a spike of 101 Santa Rita Jail inmates tested positive for COVID-19. As of Thursday, there were 104 COVID-19 cases at Santa Rita Jail, including 93 people who are asymptomatic.

Rocha was honored Thursday by his colleagues and other first responders in an emotional ceremony. Alameda County Sheriff Gregory Ahern was at the hospital to receive his body, covered by an American flag. Rocha's body was taken to the Coroner's Bureau, where it will remain until a service is planned, she said.

Rocha was a well-respected, friendly colleague who was great to be around, Modeste said. He had a big personality and was beloved by those who frequented the René C. Davidson Courthouse in Oakland, where Rocha usually worked.

Anecdotes and condolences from community members, courthouse employees, and the Alameda County offices of the district attorney and public defender poured in upon news of Rocha's illness, Modeste said. The response was overwhelming.

Modeste recalled working on Rocha's team as a newer deputy and being impressed by his experience and commitment to doing the job right and living up to expectations.

When Rocha was called to take more shifts at Santa Rita Jail, he did his fair share, Modeste said. He did everything right — he wore protective gear, was careful and followed procedure — but he still contracted COVID-19.

"Even with all of that, this disease is still finding a way to take lives," she said. "We're doing every possible thing to make sure that [staff and inmates] are protected ... we don't want to see anybody fall to this disease."

It is with tremendous sadness we report Alameda County Deputy Sheriff Oscar Rocha passed away this evening at 6:45pm from complications due to COVID-19. He put up a courageous fight to the end and will never be forgotten. May he rest in eternal peace. EOW 7/23/20.
— Alameda County Sheriff (@ACSOSheriffs) July 24, 2020

This is the hand of one of our senior deputy sheriff’s in critical condition in ICU with COVID-19. He’s fighting so hard to survive. If you beleive in prayer or the power of love and positive energy please send it to him and his family. pic.twitter.com/1xr0cdKCZ0
— Alameda County Sheriff (@ACSOSheriffs) July 12, 2020