Second Lee County deputy dies from COVID-19 complications; Sheriff urges staff vaccinations

As a second member of the Lee County Sheriff's Office has died from a COVID-19 related complication, the sheriff is offering an incentive for employees who receive a vaccine.

A message Tuesday from Sheriff Carmine Marceno announced the death of Deputy Sheriff First Class William Diaz. A second message from the sheriff later urged all LCSO staff to get the COVID vaccination and offered a $100 gift card.

"I am incredibly saddened to announce the passing of another Lee County Sheriff’s Office family member in the line of duty ... due to complications stemming from COVID-19," Marceno said.

Diaz joined the LCSO in 2018 and last worked as a corrections deputy.  Memorial services are being planned, the sheriff said.

"On behalf of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, I would like to express my condolences to his family and friends," Marceno said.

A letter from the sheriff also went out Tuesday to LCSO staff urging vaccinations.

"Family members, as your sheriff, it is my worst fear to announce the passing of one of our family members. Today, I was saddened to deliver the news that COVID-19 took another member from us.

"I do not have to tell each of you that being a law enforcement officer is a dangerous job. With this invisible threat among us, the risks are even greater. In an effort to protect each and every one of our family members — if you haven’t yet done so —  I strongly encourage you to consider getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

"The decision to vaccinate remains personal, and I do not believe in forcing any member of my family into vaccination.  However, I hope that this recommendation will assist you in making a decision that adds an extra layer of protection to this already dangerous career.

"Local and national health care professional advise us that there is strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. We are seeing this locally as the vast majority of COVID-19 patients in ICU, and COVID-19 deaths are unvaccinated patients.  

"I encourage you to speak with your doctor, or consult StarCare or other medical professionals as you make your decision.

"Because vaccination has proven to be effective in preventing COVID-19, and minimizing its effects when COVID-19 still occurs, I’ve requested our health care insurer to offer a $100 gift card to each employee that gets vaccinated.

"I urge you to protect yourselves from this deadly virus. I stand by you no matter the decision you make, however, I hope you choose to join me and get vaccinated."

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The Sheriff's Office held a memorial service Aug. 21 for Deputy First Class Steven Mazzotta, an 18-year veteran who died from complications related to COVID-19.

Mazzotta joined the agency in 2003 as a corrections officer and his 18 year career was spent in the corrections bureau.

A member of the Fort Myers Police Department, Shawn Boone, died in early August, also from complications related to COVID-19.

Boone, a dispatcher, would have been employed with FMPD for 4 years on Tuesday. 

The COVID pandemic has hit law enforcement across the U.S. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, more than 20 Florida law enforcement officers are among 500 nationwide have died due to COVID-19.

Another member of the Sheriff's Office stricken with a  COVID-19 related illness has shown signs of improvement, friends of the family said.

Deputy Sgt. Steve Drum was admitted to Cape Coral Hospital because of COVID on Aug. 1 and is being treated for pneumonia and on a ventilator, his family and friends said.

Drum was said to be coming out of a medically induced coma and beginning to respond to his wife, Michele's, voice.

In observation of members of law enforcement agencies who have died, the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the Florida Sheriffs Association on Tuesday designated September to honor the service and sacrifice of Florida law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 2021, including the growing number of those who died from COVID-19 related issues.

“So far this year, 21 officers gave all and made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives, including 14 who died from COVID-19, which is more than last year at this time,”  FPCA president and Daytona Beach Shores Public Safety Department Director Stephan Dembinsky said, “Now, to honor and remember their fallen colleagues, the Florida Police Chiefs Association calls on all law enforcement to wear mourning bands the entire month of September and publicly salute the service of all fallen law enforcement officers in the state of Florida.”

Connect with breaking news reporter Michael Braun: MichaelBraunNP (Facebook), @MichaelBraunNP (Twitter) or mbraun@news-press.com.