Lakewood Officers Quarantine After COVID-19 Exposure At Funeral

LAKEWOOD, NJ — Several Lakewood police officers are self-quarantining after the department learned someone at Friday's funeral for a Lakewood patrol officer had tested positive for the coronavirus, the department confirmed Wednesday.

Capt. Gregory Staffordsmith said the department was notified late Monday afternoon of the potential exposure that happened during the funeral for Patrolman Nicklas Shimonovich, 23, who died in an off-duty motorcycle crash.

Staffordsmith said there were disposable masks available and those in attendance at the funeral service, held at FirstEnergy Park, the Lakewood BlueClaws' stadium, were told to maintain social distancing.

After getting word of the potential exposure, Staffordsmith said the department "took a proactive and precautionary role in trying to determine how many of our officers had close contact with the infected individual."

Lakewood Mayor Raymond Coles told News 12 New Jersey that at least 20 officers are self-quarantining.

So far, none of the quarantined officers have tested positive, Staffordsmith said, but they are being closely monitored for signs of illness.

"The Lakewood Police Department would like to remind all those in attendance to self monitor and encourage those who may be exhibiting signs or symptoms to immediately seek medical attention and/or testing," Staffordsmith said.

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