JACKSONVILLE, Fla — A volunteer Jacksonville Sheriff's Office auxiliary sergeant died Wednesday of COVID-19, a "line of duty death," according to Sheriff Mike Williams.
The Jacksonville Fraternal Order of Police shared the news of Auxiliary Sgt. Louis Livatino's death on its Facebook page Wednesday morning. Livatino is described as "a dedicated family man and a man who served our community for free."
Williams confirmed the death followed a "tough battle of COVID-19 complications" Wednesday afternoon.
Livatino volunteered his time on the JSO Honor Guard, assisting patrol functions on countless assignments, according to FOP. He worked "as much if not more than full time police officers," the post says.
You can read Williams' full statement below:
"It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that early this morning, Police Auxiliary Sergeant Louis “Lou” Livatino (ID #70051) passed away following a tough battle of COVID-19 complications.
Lou, a United States Navy veteran, volunteered his time as a member of JSO’s Police Auxiliary Section for nearly 10 years. Additionally, he served on JSO’s Honor Guard, a position he cherished greatly.
Lou lived a life dedicated to service and was willing to help wherever he could. Everyone at JSO who had the opportunity to work with Lou is mourning his passing and praying for his wife, Sheryl and their family.
We continue to work with the family in final preparations for Sergeant Livatino. As these plans become solidified and are made available, we will disseminate further information to the community."
Former JSO PIO Melissa Bujeda also shared the news of Livatino's passing on social media, indicating he died of COVID-19 in a post to her Twitter page.
"We lost our beloved JSO Reserve Officer Lou Livatino to #Covid19 today," Bujeda tweeted. "If you knew Lou, you loved Lou. I will miss his kind soul and never ending smile so much. RIP Lou, we love you and thank you for all that you did for us."