Updated: 10:22 PM EST Jan 13, 2021
A police sergeant in Massachusetts has died of COVID-19, according to his department.Norton police announced the passing of Det. Sgt. Stephen Desfosses in a statement released Wednesday night.Desfosses had family members by his side when he died peacefully, according to Norton police."Detective Sergeant Desfosses proudly and distinctly served the community of Norton for over 30 years," the statement reads. "He was a loyal, trusted and dedicated member of this department holding many positions including Detective Division Commander, shift supervisor, training officer and he commanded the award-winning Norton Police Honor Guard. "Please take a moment to remember Detective Sergeant Desfosses and keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. We thank the community for the outpouring of support shown to the Desfosses family and the members of the police department during this difficult time."Desfosses was diagnosed with COVID-19, influenza A and pneumonia in early December, according to a GoFundMe page that was set up for him and his family.After struggling to improve at home for two weeks and feeling a serious decline in his ability to breathe, he was taken to a local emergency room. He was evaluated to be in critical condition and was then taken to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit.According to an update to the GoFundMe page, Desfosses' lungs were showing no signs of improvement with severe fibrosis.Desfosses is survived by his wife, Jessica, and their two daughters: 11-year-old Addison and 8-year-old Ella.The Norton Police Department is asking for privacy for the Desfosses family during this difficult time. If you would like to donate to the Desfosses family's GoFundMe page, click here.