New England Police Sergeant Dies After COVID-19 Battle

A police sergeant in Massachusetts has died following a recent battle with COVID-19.

The Norton Police Department confirmed the death of Sgt. Stephen Desfosses in a statement released to WCVB on Wednesday (January 13.)

"Detective Sergeant Desfosses proudly and distinctly served the community of Norton for over 30 years," the statement reads. "He was a loyal, trusted and dedicated member of this department holding many positions including Detective Division Commander, shift supervisor, training officer and he commanded the award-winning Norton Police Honor Guard.

"Please take a moment to remember Detective Sergeant Desfosses and keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. We thank the community for the outpouring of support shown to the Desfosses family and the members of the police department during this difficult time."

A GoFundMe page set up to help Sgt. Desfosses' family says the former officer was initially diagnosed with influenza A and pneumonia in early December and struggled to improve while trying to recover at home for two weeks, leading to a "serious decline" in his breathing ability.

Desfosses was then rushed to the local emergency room and identified as being in critical condition. Initial tests showed blood clots in his lungs, legs and abdomen and the sergeant was unable to maintain oxygen on his own.

The GoFundMe page setup to help the Desfosses family raised a total of $94,285 of its $100,000 goal as of Wednesday evening.

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