JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A volunteer Jacksonville Sheriff's Office auxiliary sergeant died last week of COVID-19, a "line of duty death," according to Sheriff Mike Williams.
Following the loss, a service celebrating the life of Auxiliary Sgt. Louis Livatino was held Friday at North Jacksonville Baptist Church located at 8531 North Main Street.
A public viewing began at 10 a.m. in the main auditorium and was proceeded by a service at 11 a.m.
His final resting place will conclude with a private ceremony for his family and friends.
The Jacksonville Fraternal Order of Police shared the news of Livatino's death on its Facebook page. Livatino was described as "a dedicated family man and a man who served our community for free."
Livatino volunteered his time on the JSO Honor Guard, assisting patrol functions on countless assignments, according to FOP.
You can read Sheriff 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."
