A veteran Fresno police officer died Monday night “after a long battle with an illness,” according to a department news release.

Fresno City Council Member’s Mike Karbassi and Luis Chavez confirmed to GV Wire℠ that Officer Angel De La Fuente died after contracting COVID-19.

De La Fuente served with the department for 22 years, the news release said. A department spokesman said De La Fuente was 49.

“I would like to ask the entire community to join the members of the Fresno Police Department in keeping Angel’s family in your prayers as they go through this difficult time,” Fresno Police Chief Andy Hall said in the statement.

Before joining the department, De La Fuente served in the Army, officials said.

Mayor Elect Dyer Statement

Officer De La Fuente spent a majority of his career working for former Fresno Police Chief, Jerry Dyer.

According to Dyer’s spokesperson, he had the opportunity last week to speak and pray with Angel’s wife, Lilia. “She is person of tremendous faith as was Angel,” read a statement.

“My heart goes out to Angel’s wife, Lilia- as well as his children,” said Dyer. “Angel was a dedicated police officer who excelled in every assignment. He was highly regarded by fellow officers and was respected by members of our community. Angel will be missed, but not forgotten.”

Police Career Spanned 22 Years

During his career with the department De La Fuente was a district crime suppression team member as well as working in gang enforcement and investigations, the release said.

“Angel regularly returned to patrol throughout his career and was truly respected by everyone who worked with him as well as the community,” Hall said.