FOND DU LAC POLICE — The Fond du Lac Police Department says one of its officers, 26-year-old Joseph Kurer, passed away from complications caused by COVID-19.
The police department said in a statement Wednesday night that Kurer was sworn-in as a officer on Aug. 6, 2018.
The Fond du Lac Police Department said in an update Thursday that Officer Kurer passed away on Sept. 22. Police say "all evidence indicates that Officer Joseph Kurer contracted COVID-19 while on duty. As such, this is being treated as a line of duty death, the second COVID-19 law enforcement line of duty death in the State of Wisconsin."
Police continued that it does not provide details on employees’ medical conditions or vaccination status "out of respect for their privacy and their family’s privacy."
He was a member of Tactical Field Force Team, Honor Guard Unit, Domestic Violence Intervention Team, and earlier this year was certified as a Field Training Officer.
Before joining the Fond du Lac Police Department, Kurer was a Community Service Officer with the City of West Bend Police Department.
Kurer also served in the Wisconsin National Guard. He enlisted in 2014 and became an aviation operations specialist.
In a statement the Wisconsin National Guard said, "Sgt. Kurer leaves behind a legacy of selfless service to his community, state, and nation, and his service as both a police officer and Wisconsin National Guard Soldier embodied the spirit of the Citizen Soldier."
On Wednesday, Officer Kurer was escorted from the hospital to the funeral home by a law enforcement procession. Officers will stand vigil by his side until the services are complete, the police department said.
He is survived by his wife and two children, one born the night before Joseph passed away. He also leaves behind his parents and sister.
“Our entire Fond du Lac Police Department family mourns the passing of Officer Joseph Kurer. Our love and condolences go out to Joseph’s wife and children and all those with whom he served. We, as a police department family will do everything possible to continue to provide support and comfort to Joseph’s family. Joseph will be missed by everyone here," said newly made Fond du Lac Police Chief Aaron Goldstein.
A memorial fund has been set up for his family, you can donate through GoFundMe.