Deputy Sheriff Richard O’Brien died after contracting COVID-19 during an outbreak among inmates and correctional staff at the Cook County Jail at 2650 S. California Avenue in Chicago.

Deputy O’Brien had served with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office – Department of Court Services for 25 years and was assigned to the Skokie Civil Process Unit. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Beginning in early 2020, due to the requirements of their job, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the United States contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Hundreds of law enforcement officers died from medical complications as a result of contracting the virus while remaining on duty and interacting with the community.

End of Watch Sunday, May 3, 2020