Holly MatkinBedminster, NJ – Bedminster Police Department (BPD) Sergeant AlTerek Patterson died on Sunday morning after contracting COVID-19.
“It is with deep regret and sorrow that The Bedminster Township Police Department announces the passing of our beloved Patrol Sergeant AlTerek Patterson,” the BPD said in a press release. “Sergeant Patterson fought a courageous battle against COVID-19 and unexpectedly passed away early this morning.”
Sgt. Patterson’s close friend, Bayonne Police Department Officer Corrado DeVincenzo, established a fundraising campaign to help the fallen sergeant’s wife and three young children in the wake of their loss.
“As first responders, we put our lives on the line every day and in this case we are fighting a enemy that we can not see, COVID-19. However, like always, we stick together and put the public first,” Officer DeVincenzo wrote.
“Terek was an absolute family man. Everything he did was to put his wife…8 year old daughter and 2 1/2 year old twins, in a better position,” he continued. “He picked up as many extra hours as he could so he could provide for his family and buy his college sweetheart her dream home. He made his dad the best man in his wedding and called his mom every single day. That’s the type of man he was and some of the reasons why he will be miss by many.”
Sgt. Patterson, 38, graduated from the Somerset County Police Academy in December of 2005, and began serving the BPD the following month, the department said in the press release.
In October of 2014, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant.
“Sergeant Patterson always had a smile on his face and touched the lives of so many residents at their time of need,” the BPD said. “Please keep his family, friends, and members of The Bedminster Township Police Department in your thoughts and prayers.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Bedminster Police Department Sergeant AlTerek Patterson, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.