By Chris Moore
Beaumont Enterprise
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Texas — A Jefferson County correctional officer died from the coronavirus Monday, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.
Dudley Champ, 58, was in the hospital for several weeks, the release said.
“Officer Champ, like other corrections officers, answer their call to public service daily, especially in times of crisis and uncertainty,” the release said. “Officer Champ continued his duties as a corrections officer when knowingly coming to work in an environment that has active COVID-19 cases would put him at risk every day. Officer Champ did this without complaint and dedication to serve his community.”
In the release sheriff Zena Stephens she is praying for his family, friends and coworkers.
The sheriff said that 171 inmates and 27 corrections officers were positive for the coronavirus with six cases pending as of Monday. She said their were no other hospitalizations.
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©2020 the Beaumont Enterprise (Beaumont, Texas)