Police Officer Jose Novoa died as the result of complications after contracting COVID-19 during a presumed exposure while on duty.
Officer Novoa had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 27 years and was assigned to the 9th Police District. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
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.