LAPD 24-Year Employee Dies Of Coronavirus Complications

LOS ANGELES, CA — Officials from the Los Angeles Police Department announced Saturday night that they had lost their fourth employee to coronavirus.

Raymond L. Guerro, a 24-year employee of the department, died Thursday of complications related to COVID-19, officials said. He was a police service representative in the Communications Division, LAPD wrote in a Saturday news release.

Guerro is survived by his wife and two daughters. His wife also works in the department's Communitions Division.

Guerro was discribed as a "guardian angel" and a "true professional" by his coworkers who mourned the loss of his life on Twitter Saturday.

"Ray was on my watch," said James Merle, sergeant for the LAPD in the Communications Division. "...as a Watch Commander I appreciated his candor and 24 year prospective. He was a true professional and the citizens of Los Angeles were blessed to have him, as were his co-workers. My heart hurts tonight. RIP Ray."

Guerrero "dedicated his career to ensuring that every call for service made by the community members we serve was answered. We thank you for your service and you will be greatly missed," officials said in the statement.

"The impact of COVID-19 has been devastating for this department and this city," Chief Michel Moore said. "Guerrero's passing marks the fourth employee who has fallen from this deadly pandemic, leaving yet another hole in our hearts."

The City News Service contributed to this report.