By Sarah Calams
NEW YORK — A New York City corrections officer died on March 27 from COVID-19.
Officer Quinsey Simpson, an 18-year NYC DOC veteran, worked in the security operations division at Rikers Island, according to PIX11.com.
“Correction Officer Quinsey Simpson served our department with dignity and honor for nearly 20 years. He embodied the very best qualities of New York City’s boldest and was extremely well-liked by his fellow officers,” COBA president Elias Husamudeen said in a statement released on Twitter. “His tragic death from this invisible disease has left our hearts broken. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
DOC Commissioner Cynthia Brann also offered her condolences to Simpson’s family and friends.
“Our entire department is grieving after learning that one of our longest serving officers passed away at a local hospital,” Brann said. “My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences go out to the officer’s family, friends and co-workers throughout the department.”
Earlier in March, a 56-year-old NYC DOC investigator died from COVID-19, marking the first NYC worker to be killed by the novel coronavirus.