Police Officer Kendle Blackburn died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 from a presumed exposure while on duty.
Officer Blackburn had served with the Lebanon Police Department for 16 years and had previously served with the Laclede County Sheriff’s Office for five years. He is survived by his wife and three children.
In early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic due to requirements of their job. Many of these first responders died as a result of COVID-19.