Holly MatkinDetroit, MI – Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) Transportation Officer Damon Burton died on Tuesday after contracting COVID-19.
The MDOC Honor Guard announced Transportation Officer Burton’s death in a Facebook post later that day.
“Today, we lost our first MDOC employee to COVID-19,” the post read. “Corrections Transportation Officer Damon Burton of the Detroit Reentry Center died from complications related to the virus. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and coworkers.”
The MDOC Honor Guard described Transportation Officer Burton’s death as “heart-wrenching.”
MDOC Director Heidi Washington notified staff about the transportation officer’s death in an email on Tuesday evening, but did not release his name, the Detroit Free Press reported.
“This is a difficult day for all of us, especially those who worked closely with him over the years,” Washington wrote. “His dedication and commitment to the safety of our state’s residents will not be forgotten and will leave a lasting impact on our department.”
Washington said that the MDOC has been “heartbroken by his loss,” the Detroit Free Press reported.
“This virus is unlike any enemy we’ve faced before. Its reach has had no boundaries and it has affected people of all ages and backgrounds,” the director wrote. “Our thoughts are with the officer’s family, friends and colleagues at this sad time and we know he will be greatly missed.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Michigan Department of Corrections Transportation Officer Damon Burton, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.