A second Riverside County Sheriff's deputy has passed away as a result of a COVID-19 infection, authorities announced today.
Deputy David Werksman, a 22-year veteran, is survived by his wife and three children, Riverside Sheriff's Association President Bill Young said in a statement about the deputy's death.
“His death due to COVID-19 is the latest excruciating loss as a result of the silent killer COVID-19 for our Association and the law enforcement community,” Young said. “His death is a grim reminder of the risks that our members face every day, serving the public in the face of this pandemic."
Werksman's last assignment was to the sheriff's administration. Before that, he worked at the department's Hazardous Device Team, and was an FBI Certified Public Safety Bomb Technician, a HAZMAT specialist, and a radiologic/nuclear first responder.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department tweeted out news of the deputy's death Friday morning.
"We are saddened to announce the death of Deputy David Werksman, most recently assigned to Sheriff’s Admin. Deputy Werksman passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2020, due to complications from COVID-19. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time," the Riverside County Sheriff's Department wrote Friday morning.
Werksman is the second deputy from the department to pass away. On Wednesday, a 15-year veteran, Deputy Terrell Young, died from complications arising from a COVID-19 infection. According to Sheriff Chad Bianco, Young may have been exposed to the virus while transporting an inmate to the Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley for an examination.
Since then, at least 25 sheriff's employees have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, as well as at least 11 inmates at that same facility.
“It is hard to imagine that just 24 hours ago, our Department was in pain due to the COVID-19 death of Deputy Terrell Young. Our members are heartbroken and hurting. Deputy Werksman spent his life serving the community and working to make our Riverside County a better place,” Young said.
“As first responders, Deputy Werksman and Deputy Young served on the front lines of an invisible beast,” Young said. “Yet, they both demonstrated in this crisis and every day their dedication and sacrifice.”
Photo: Riverside County Sheriff