Veteran Harlem Police Officer Dies Of Coronavirus, NYPD Says

HARLEM, NY — A 14-year NYPD veteran who served a Harlem precinct is the latest member of the police department to die of the new coronavirus, which has killed thousands of New York City residents.

Eric Murray of Harlem's 25th police precinct died Thursday from complications related to the virus, an NYPD spokesperson said. Murray joined the department in Jan. 2006, police said. Before becoming a cop, Murray worked in public service as a traffic agent for the city, NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said in a statement.

"Eric served the people of NYC for nearly 17 years, first as a Traffic Enforcement Agent, then as a Police Officer. His loved ones are in our prayers," Shea said in a statement.

The new coronavirus has hit the NYPD hard. Police officers are considered essential workers by the state, meaning they must continue to report to duty and risk catching the virus. On Thursday, 7,155 uniformed members of the NYPD — nearly 20% of the department's workforce — called out sick. More than 2,200 NYPD officers and more than 400 of the department's civilian employees have tested positive for the disease, police said.

To keep up to date with coronavirus developments in NYC, sign up for Patch's news alerts and newsletter.

Coronavirus In NYC: Latest Happenings And Guidance