Holly MatkinNew York, NY – New York City Department of Corrections (NYCDOC) Corrections Officer Quinsey Simpson died on March 27 after contracting the novel coronavirus.
Corrections Officer Simpson, an 18-year veteran of the NYCDOC, was assigned to the Security Operations Division at Rikers Island, the New York Daily News reported.
“Corrections Officer Simpson served our Department with dignity and honor for nearly twenty years,” Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association (COBA) President Elias Husamudeen said in a statement. “He embodied the very best qualities of New York City’s Boldest and was extremely well-liked by his fellow officers.”
The department has been in mourning over the loss of the veteran corrections officer.
“His tragic death from this invisible disease has left our hearts broken,” Husamudeen wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
NYCDOC Commissioner Cynthia Brann also released a statement in the wake of Corrections Officer Simpson’s death.
“Our entire department is grieving after learning that one of our longest serving officers passed away at a local hospital,” Brann said, according to WPIX. “My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences go out to the officer’s family, friends, and co-workers throughout the department.”
Over 100 DOC employees and 160 inmates had tested positive for COVID-19 as of Tuesday, WABC reported.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of New York City Department of Corrections Corrections Officer Quinsey Simpson, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.