Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021 | 11:41 a.m.
Edward Contreras
Metro Police Officer Edward Contreras has died from COVID-19 complications, the department announced today. He is the fifth Metro officer to die as a result of the virus.
Contreras, 50, served with Metro for more than 15 years, the department said. He was assigned to the traffic bureau and was a Marine Corps veteran who served in Somalia and Iraq.
Contreras, who died Tuesday, is survived by his wife, Stephanie; a son, Aaron; his parents; a sister; and a brother who is also a Metro officer, the department said. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and spending time with his family, officials said.
In announcing the death, Metro did not say if Contreras was vaccinated against COVID. Funeral arrangements were not announced.
Sgt. Douglas King, 36, who died in August, was the last officer to succumb to COVID-19 complications. Other COVID victims were Officer Phil Closi, 48, who died on Aug. 11; Officer Jason Swanger, 41, who died last month; and Lt. Erik Lloyd, 53, who died in July 2020.
Metro officials have said they have no plans to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for existing officers. The department, however, requires proof of vaccination as a term of employment for new hires. A total of 52.9% of Metro employees were fully vaccinated as of late August.
