Surviving Covid: Santa Ana Cop Credits Family, Friends, Coworkers

SANTA ANA, CA — Santa Ana Police Sgt. Mike McCarthy spent Christmas in the ICU. He missed moments in his life by thinking about what really matters: His family.

McCarthy contracted coronavirus, he believes, while on a call at a homeless encampment,ABC7 reports. Coronavirus struck him hard and fast. His lungs collapsed, and he was fully ventilated. He landed in the hospital ICU with about 100 other people.

Many died, he said.

During his 52-day ICU stay at St. Joseph Hospital of Orange, he lost over 50 pounds. He remembers the nurses telling him to be strong.

"Whether it was my military training or police training, I knew I'd never give up," he told ABC7. His fellow officers led prayer vigils at the hospital, and his family was ever-present.

As officers and faithful once lined the entryway of St. Joseph's with lifted prayers all were cheering on the day he left the hospital.

Cpl. Anthony Bertagna commented on the moment over the department's Facebook page.

"As we acknowledge all those who lost their battle with this pandemic," Bertagna wrote, "we are blessed to have SGT. McCarthy survive and back at home with his family!"

McCarthy was able to spend Valentine's Day with his loved ones, and it has been nearly a month of being home. He is still fighting the good fight to get back to healthy.

Though it may take a full year to recover from his illness, he plans on returning to the Santa Ana Police Department.