COVID-19 takes the life of Everman police officer who contracted virus while on duty
A veteran of the Everman Police Department died Thursday morning from COVID-19 at a Fort Worth hospital, Everman police said.
Alex Arango contracted virus while on duty, according to a post on the Everman Emergency Services Facebook page.
Everman mayor Ray Richardson said Thursday that the city was saddened by the loss of Arango.
“He’s been a staple of this community for years,” Richardson said. “There have been tears at City Hall all day.”
Arango had served Everman and Tarrant County for 27 years.
“The love and support we have received from the community has been a blessing for my whole family,” Arango’s family posted on the Facebook page, just days before he died.
Richardson said he has been on the council for more than 15 years, and he would always see Arango and his smiling face at City Hall.
“He was a great guy,” the mayor said. “This is a small police department and I just can’t imagine what they are going through right now.”
Arango was placed on a ventilator Monday after contracting the virus.
A prayer vigil was held for Arango and his family Monday evening at the Fort Worth hospital where the officer was being treated.
Richardson said Thursday that other nearby law enforcement agencies have contacted Everman, providing support and help for the Everman police officers.
A temporary memorial for Arango has been established in front of the Everman Police Department, 404 W. Enon Ave., in Everman.
An account has been established to help Arango’s family.
“Everyone is feeling the loss,” the Everman mayor said. “We’ve lost a great guy.”
This story was originally published October 22, 2020 at 10:33 AM.
