Police Officer Jose Novoa died as the result of complications after contracting COVID-19 during a presumed exposure while on duty.
Officer Novoa had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 27 years and was assigned to the 9th Police District. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
Beginning in early 2020, due to the requirements of their job, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the United States contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Hundreds of law enforcement officers died from medical complications as a result of contracting the virus while remaining on duty and interacting with the community.