Holly MatkinWashington, DC – Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPDC) School Resource Officer Keith Williams died on June 4 following a battle against COVID-19.
Officer Williams succumbed to complications of the novel coronavirus while surrounded by his family, MPDC Chief Peter Newsham said during a press conference the following day, according to WUSA.
“The Metropolitan Police Department has a heavy heart today for the passing of one of our senior police officers,” Chief Newsham said, according to The Washington Post.
“Officer Williams was a dedicated and longstanding member of the MPD family,” the chief continued, according to WJLA. “His over 30 years of service to the District of Columbia is a testament to his dedication to making a difference in our community.”
Officer Williams, 53, joined the MPDC in 1989, and served “in various assignments throughout the city” prior to his retirement in 2017, Chef Newsham said, according to The Washington Post.
He later returned to the force, and was working as a school resource officer in the MPDC Third District at the time of his death.
Officer Williams spent most of his time serving at Bannekar High School, Dunbar High School, and Seaton Elementary School, WJLA reported.
Chief Newsham extended his condolences to Officer Williams’ family, coworkers and loved ones.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends as he will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all of us here at MPD,” the chief said, according to WJLA.
Officer Williams leaves behind his wife, four children, and his grandchildren, WUSA reported.
It is with a heavy heart that the Metropolitan Police Department announces the passing of Senior Police Officer Keith Williams. Officer Williams had over 31 years of service with MPD and will be greatly missed.
It appears his passing was due to COVID-19 related complications. pic.twitter.com/x79VjS76dK
— DC Police Department #StayHomeDC (@DCPoliceDept) June 5, 2020
The DC Police Union regrets to announce the passing of School Resource Officer Keith Williams. The passing of Officer Williams is MPD’s first confirmed COVID-19 related death. pic.twitter.com/OfMEkGUIte
— DC Police Union (@DCPoliceUnion) June 5, 2020
🇺🇸 Rest In Peace HERO
Senior Police Officer Keith Williams
Metropolitan Police Department
Washington D.C.
Officer Williams age 53
Died June 4, 2020 from Coronavirus
Over 31 years of extraordinary service is a testament to his dedication to making a difference in the community pic.twitter.com/yNUbezUS6z— East Coast Alert ⚠️ (@EastCoastAlert) June 7, 2020
Please keep the @DCPoliceDept in your thoughts and prayers. Senior Officer Keith Williams, 31 year veteran has passed from complications of #COVID19#officerdown #neverforgetthefallen #EOW #washingtondc #metropolitanpolice pic.twitter.com/xMx9YwbaQL
— Oakboro Police Dept. (@Oakboropolicenc) June 6, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia School Resource Officer Keith Williams, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
