Community Corner
El Paso County Deputy's Coronavirus Death Deemed 'Line Of Duty'
Deputy Jeff Hopkins contracted the new coronavirus in the line of duty, an investigation confirmed.
EL PASO COUNTY, CO — An El Paso County sheriff's deputy's death from the new coronavirus has been determined to be a line-of-duty death, the sheriff's office announced Tuesday. Deputy Jeff Hopkins, 41, died April 1 after testing positive for the virus, the office said.
"It is our medical opinion that the death of El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jeff Hopkins was due to COVID-19 as a direct result of in-the-line-of-duty action," El Paso County Public Health officials said in a statement.
An investigation indicated that Hopkins was likely exposed to COVID-19 while working as an intake and release deputy at the Criminal Justice Center, health officials said. Hopkins had "direct contact" with other sheriff's office employees at the center who also tested positive.
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Hopkins is set to receive a full honors service, the sheriff's office said.
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The deputy had been employed with the sheriff's office since 2001.
It is with profound sadness we announce Deputy Jeff Hopkins while off duty, passed away on April 1 from the COVID-19 virus. Deputy Hopkins was 41 years old and leaves behind his wife, Wendy. Deputy Hopkins has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office since 2001. #NeverForgotten pic.twitter.com/JhNbhdyXiA
— EPCSheriff (@EPCSheriff) April 2, 2020
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