FRESNO, California (KGPE) – While the Fresno Police Department mourns the loss of another officer who passed away from complications relating to COVID-19 – around 30% of Fresno County first responders are opting out of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

56-year-old Sgt. Richard “Paul” Brown served the department for nearly three decades. He passed away Wednesday morning.

Motorcycle officers, a Fresno Police helicopter, and several patrol cars took part in the procession for Sgt. Brown from Clovis Community Medical Center to a funeral home in Downtown Fresno.

The department said Brown started his career with Fresno Police in 1993 and held the rank of sergeant for 19 of those years.

“True to his tenacious reputation throughout his career,” said Police Chief Paco Balderrama in a statement. “Paul courageously battled this illness right to the end…Paul was a fixture in the FPD and devoted his life to this community.”

Read More →