Austin Fire Officials Heartbroken Over Firefighter's COVID Death

AUSTIN, TEXAS — A 20-year veteran of the Austin Fire Department died from coronavirus on Sunday night, the department announced on social media Monday.

Rodney “Rod” Kelley died after battling the coronavirus, the tweet said, announcing the death of the veteran firefighter.

“Please keep his family, friends, and crew in your thoughts and prayers, and we ask for your respect and kindness as we grieve the loss of our brother,” the social media post said, adding that the department is heartbroken after the news of Kelley’s death.

A bill passed by Texas legislators earlier this year that first responders, including fire fighters and police officers who contract the coronavirus are presumed to do “during the course and scope of their employment.”

The President of the Austin Firefighters Association told the American-Statesman on Monday that about 24 city firefighters are confirmed to have COVID-19 at the present time.

The COVID-19 death in the fire department comes just days after two Austin police officers died from the coronavirus on back-to-back days last week.

Police officials announced Thursday that Senior Sgt. Steve Urias had died from COVID-19 after serving with the police department for more than 31 years. Urias was nearing retirement when he contracted the virus and leaves behind a wife and two adult children.

On Wednesday, Austin Police announced that Senior Police Officer Randolph Boyd died after a “valiant fight” with COVID-19. Boyd had joined the department in 2014. service."

Authorities said last week that the department has 41 officers out on COVID-19 leave. Of those, three are currently hospitalized.

Austin Mayor Steve Adler said in a Twitter post Thursday the city is continuing to evaluate all available options to keep the community safe, including its officers.

"COVID is an equal opportunity killer. It doesn't care if you're a hero or if you're physically strong. Police officers are in harm's way every day, but the virus makes interactions even riskier," Adler said.