COVID-19 Takes Life Of 37-Year-Old Tampa Police Officer

TAMPA, FL — The Tampa Police Department has lost one of its own to the global pandemic.

The department announced the death of 37-year-old Officer Matthew S. Coleman due to complications from the coronavirus.

Coleman joined the department Sept. 30, 2014, serving as a field training officer in District II.

He previously worked at the Polk County Sheriff's Office since June 2008.

"He was a valued mentor and a friend to many," said a statement from the police department. "Officer Coleman will be greatly missed."

Coleman is survived by his wife and children.

Tampa police said anyone wishing to donate to Coleman's family can do so through the Tampa Police Benevolent Association.

Coleman is the seventh Tampa Bay law enforcement officer to due to the coronavirus.

Also losing their lives to the virus were St. Petersburg police Officer Michael Weiskopf, Pasco County Sheriff's Office Detective Raymond Orinn Williamson, Port Richey Police Department Reserve Officer Robert Pacchiarotti, Manatee County Sheriff's Deputy Douglas Clark, Polk County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Broadhead and Hernando County Sheriff's Office Detective Tom Breedlove.

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• COVID-19 Claims Life Of Manatee County Deputy: Sheriff
• St. Pete Police Officer's Life Lost To COVID-19
• COVID-19 Kills Polk County Sheriff Deputy, Father Of 5