Rutland Police Officer Dies Of Coronavirus

WORCESTER, MA — A Rutland police officer has died following a more than month-long battle with the coronavirus. Det. John Songy died Friday at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester, according to his family.

Songy, 48, and his wife were diagnosed with the coronavirus April 23. He was hospitalized May 2 and placed on a ventilator a week later.

"We're heartbroken by the news that Det. John Songy has lost his battle with COVID-19," Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early said in a tweet. "We would like to extend our condolences to John's wife, Joanne, all of his family and friends and the Rutland Police Department."

Songy's illness grabbed the attention of the local community. On May 16, dozens of cars rallied in Rutland to show support. Songy worked in Rutland for eight years, and before that had been an Oakham police officer, according to the department.

Joanne Songy recovered from her bout with the virus. She thanked the community Friday for supporting her husband during his illness.

"I would like to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for the prayers, love, and support that you have given to me and our family," she said in a Facebook post.

Information about services for Songy is forthcoming, according to Rutland police.