Fond du Lac police officer dies of COVID-19 complications

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FOND DU LAC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The City of Fond du Lac Police Department announced a line of duty death Wednesday, Sept. 22.

The department says 26-year-old Officer Joseph Kurer passed away due to complications from COVID-19.

Officer Kurer was sworn in as a Fond du Lac police officer on Aug. 6, 2018 and was a member of the Tactical Field Force Team, Honor Guard Unit, Domestic Violence Intervention Team, and was certified as a field training officer earlier this year.

The department says Officer Kurer was also an aviation operations non-commissioned officer with the United States Army, Wisconsin National Guard. 

Prior to joining the Fond du Lac Police Department, Kurer was a community service officer with the City of West Bend Police Department. 

He was awarded a City of Fond du Lac Police Department Life Saving Award, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Force Sergeants Association NCO of the Year as a cadet non-commissioned officer in the Civil Air Patrol, and Sister Michaela O'Brien Award while attending St. Mary's Springs High School.

Officer Kurer is being escorted from the hospital to the funeral home by a law enforcement procession and officers will stand vigil by his side until the services are complete. 

Officer Kurer is survived by his wife and two children, one born the night before he passed away. He is also survived by his parents and sister.

“Our entire Fond du Lac Police Department family mourns the passing of Officer Joseph Kurer," Chief Goldstein said in a statement Wednesday. "Our love and condolences go out to Joseph’s wife and children and all those with whom he served. We, as a police department family, will do everything possible to continue to provide support and comfort to Joseph’s family. Joseph will be missed by everyone here.”

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday, Sept. 23, released the following statement on Officer Kurer's passing: 

“Kathy and I were incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Joseph Kurer, Fond du Lac police officer and member of the Wisconsin National Guard, who tragically passed away in the line of duty due to COVID-19 complications. Our hearts go out to his wife, kids, parents, and sister, and all of his loved ones, especially as they had just welcomed a new baby to the family the night before Officer Kurer’s passing. We are also thinking of the Fond du Lac Police Department and the Fond du Lac community, and we ask the people of Wisconsin to join us in extending offers of support and prayers as they mourn Officer Kurer’s passing.”

The Fond Du Lac Police Department has set up a fundraiser for Kurer's children. You can donate at any National Exchange bank branch, or at this official GoFundMe.

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