Vigil will honor Lehigh County Jail inmate and officer who died from COVID
Updated Feb 04, 2021;
A vigil is planned this weekend at Lehigh County Jail to honor an inmate and corrections officer who died from COVID-19, and raise awareness for those suffering from the virus behind bars.
The vigil, organized by the Ortiz Ark Foundation, is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday outside the jail at 38 N. Fourth St. in Allentown. Participants may also attend via Zoom.
Inmates, their family and friends, and those released during the pandemic have repeatedly raised the alarm about the virus spreading in the jail and the increasing population.
Lehigh County Jail officer who died from COVID remembered for his ’bright smile and positivity’
Updated Jan 21, 2021;
The director of Lehigh County corrections on Thursday paid homage to the county jail’s first corrections officer to die from COVID-19.
Gary Dean, 30, was a dedicated member of the jail staff and a true asset, Director Janine Donate said in a prepared statement.
Dean, who lived in Upper Nazareth Township, was pronounced dead on Tuesday at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg, the Lehigh County coroner’s office said.
“(Dean’s) professional demeanor, bright smile, and positivity was uplifting and encouraging to everyone around him. We extend our most sincere condolences to his family and friends as we grieve this incredible loss,” Donate said.
As of Thursday, Phoebe Home reported 97 residents and 32 employees were infected with the coronavirus, prompting the National Guard to be called in to help and causing families to grow concerned about the level of care.