SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement regarding the COVID-19 related deaths of Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Oscar Walter Rocha and Los Angeles Police Department Officer Valentin Martinez:
“The deaths of these two heroes is a very real and painful reminder of the risks these men and women face every single day protecting the people of California. Jennifer and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Deputy Rocha and Officer Martinez as they grapple with these tremendous losses.”
Deputy Rocha, 57, died Thursday night from complications relating to COVID-19, following three weeks in intensive care. He is survived by his wife, Maureen, two sons, a stepdaughter and stepson, and his parents, Oscar and Rosario Rocha.
Officer Martinez, 45, had been fighting COVID-19 since May 24, 2020, and died Friday from complications due to the virus. The father-to-be is survived by his partner, Megan Flynn, who is expecting twins, sister, brothers, and his parents, Ricardo Sr. and Maria Martinez.
Flags at the State Capitol will be flown at half-staff in honor of Deputy Rocha and Officer Martinez.
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