In Memory of Detective Joseph Pollack

On Thursday, December 9, 2021, Colorado residents were stunned to learn that a local detective had died due to the coronavirus pandemic. Detective Joseph Pollack, badge number 02-14, died due to complications of the virus. COVID19 has become the number one cause of line of duty deaths among law enforcement across the US. Detective Pollack was 64 years old.

COVID19 has cost the lives of hundreds of thousands, and the pandemic is nowhere near being over. Vaccinations have been politicized, and many officers are choosing to remain unvaccinated. Because of this choice, the US has lost hundreds of law enforcement officers. In addition, thousands of children have been left without a parent or primary caregiver who was a member of law enforcement.

The US government told Americans that certain occupations have a much higher risk for virus transmission. First responders, law enforcement, and medical workers were among the highest. Then they noticed that essential workers also had an increased risk of transmission. The federal government created legislation to protect their families from financial devastation to keep the country safe and keep officers on the job. Any active-duty officer who contracts the virus on the job will be given line of duty death status.

Contract tracing found that Detective Pollack likely contracted the virus while assigned to an impact team. He was involved with the arrest and detention of several suspects on Park Meadows Drive in Lone Tree, Colorado. One of the suspects tested positive for the virus.

Detective Pollack was a life-long civil servant. After high school, Pollack joined the military. He was a US Marine Corps Reserve veteran. Pollack received his first badge in law enforcement from the New York City Police Department. He served the city of New York for over 20 years. He was a heroic officer who went in to help with the search and rescue of victims involved in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Detective Pollack most recently was a member of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado, serving for an additional 19 years. In total, Pollack had more than 39 years of experience as a sworn law enforcement officer.

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado

Located in Castle Rock, Colorado, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has a lengthy history with the state of Colorado. The first sheriff, Charles F. Parkhurst, was elected to hold office in 1862. The office is a reasonably large law enforcement office that provides services to more than 350,000 residents.

The DCSO has several divisions to handle the large caseloads that come with large populations. The divisions include Animal Services, Budget and Logistics, Detention, Emergency Management, Investigations, Patrol, Professional Standards, and Support Services.

The department encourages officers to get engaged in community events and volunteer. The department prides itself on doing a great job keeping the community safe and being there to simply listen should a resident have any difficulties. Through their work in outreach, the department is viewed favorably among residents for doing a great job in their area. The DCSO is undoubtedly winning in public relations.

Remembrances

Detective Pollack leaves behind his wife and three children. The Pollack family will join the hundreds of thousands of families that have lost a loved one due to COVID19. The week after Pollack’s death due to the virus, the US surpassed 800,000 lives lost. Colorado law enforcement, honor guards, and other agencies will work directly with the Pollack family to ensure that honors are performed at the services for Detective Pollack. Honor ceremonies are essential; it demonstrates the significance of the loss for the community, the selfless service of the one lost, and gratitude from the community for the sacrifices made on their behalf.

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office posted information about the loss to residents. “We are saddened by the loss of DCSO Detective Joe Pollack, badge number 0214, who died early this morning from complications due to COVID. Det. Pollack spent 20 years with NYPD, retiring as a sergeant. He spent 19 years with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, assigned to the Special Investigations Unit. We have determined that he contracted COVID-19 while on duty and, as such, is a line-of-duty death. He is survived by his wife and three children.”

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office posted the loss announcement on their Facebook page. “Our hearts are heavy with the loss of a local brother-in-law enforcement. Our thoughts are with Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s Detective Pollack’s family, friends, and those that served alongside him. Gone, but never forgotten.”