Jerad Lindsey
The Tulsa Police Department announced the death of the city’s police union leader early Wednesday.
Jerad Lindsey, chairman of the Tulsa Fraternal Order of Police, died after suffering complications of COVID-19, the agency reported. He was 40 years old.
“This is a big loss,” Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin said at a news conference following the announcement. “We are going to honor the work that Jerad has done for this department…as he fiercely fought for the rights of our Tulsa police officers.”
Lindsey started his career with Tulsa Police Department in 2005 and worked as patrol officer. He recently was serving also as Oklahoma Fraternal Order of Police vice president.
“Jerad’s work with the Fraternal Order of Police on the national, state and local level was done with sincerity and a commitment to the rights of all those wearing the police uniform,” TPD said in a statement.
Lindsey is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and two sons.
“People need to understand this is not a joke, this pandemic,” the police chief said in a news conference streamed to the TPD Facebook page. “This virus is killing people. People have puts lots of politics into wearing a mask and the mandates placed within our city, and I think we are all out for nothing more than to help protect this community ...
“It really hits home that we lost an officer to this,” Franklin said. “I hope this changes the opinions of some and changes the actions of people.”
Mayor G.T. Bynum said Lindsey was a friend.
“Jerad loved the men and women of the Tulsa Police Department deeply,” Bynum said in a social media post. “It drove his work as Chairman of the Fraternal Order of Police, and for him that work was not a job but a calling.
“As a friend, he could be incredibly thoughtful and more concerned for you than you might be for yourself. But if he thought you weren’t doing right by his brothers and sisters in blue, he could be an equally devoted thorn in your side ...
“My thoughts this morning are with his family. He loved time spent with them, and they have sacrificed much for his service to the city of Tulsa,” Bynum said.
City councilors also spoke to Lindsey’s legacy of support for officers. District 3 Councilor Crista Patrick and District 9 Councilor Ben Kimbro said Lindsey will be remembered for his tireless commitment to law enforcement.
“Jerad was a passionate advocate for law enforcement and a good friend,” Patrick said. “This is a devastating loss and my heart is with his family. Words are truly inadequate.”
U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern said Lindsey was a great friend and a great leader.
“His leadership impacted so many — both within law enforcement and around the community,” Hern said in a prepared statement. “I spoke with Jerad on Sunday as he battled this virus. All too soon, he was taken from us.”
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COVID-19 basics everyone needs to know as the pandemic continues
COVID-19 basics everyone needs to know as the pandemic continues
How it spreads, who's at risk
Studies have shown many infected people show no symptoms or have symptoms so mild they may go undetected; those people can still transmit COVID-19 to About 20% of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 require hospitalization.
The disease can be fatal, especially for vulnerable populations: those older than 65, living in a nursing home or long-term care facility, and anyone with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or obesity.
Science of virus spread
COVID-19 is spread mainly from person to person via respiratory droplets produced by an infected person. Spread is most likely when people are in close contact, within about 6 feet. A person might also be infected with COVID-19 after touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their face. According to the CDC, evidence suggests the novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces, though that form of transmission is said to be minor.
Transmission between people more than 6 feet from one another may occur in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces, the CDC says, especially where activities cause heavier breathing, such as singing or exercising.
The infectious period for patients can begin up to 48 hours before symptom onset.
List of symptoms
The CDC recently expanded its list of possible symptoms of COVID-19. The symptoms can appear from two days to two weeks after exposure.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms and will continue to be updated by the CDC. One symptom not included is "purple toes," which someone may experience with no other symptoms, sometimes several weeks after the acute phase of an infection is over. The coloration and pain is caused by a lack of blood flow to the toes caused by excessive blood clotting, a late-stage concern with COVID-19 infections.
Kinds of testing
Those getting tested may experience different kinds of swabs. The viral test, known as PCR, involves a deep nasal swab that can be painful.
Other tests that require less-invasive swabs may produce results faster, but with less accuracy. These should not be used diagnostically.
It is not yet known whether COVID-19 antibodies can protect someone being infected again or how long protection might last.
The 'serious seven'
The "serious seven" refer to close contact environments where residents should take extra precautions if they choose to attend. The seven are gyms, weddings, house gatherings, bars, funerals, faith-based activities and other small events, according to Tulsa Health Department Director Bruce Dart.
Treatments being investigated
The FDA has allowed for antiviral drug remdesivir, previously tested on humans with Ebola, to treat more severe cases of COVID-19 in adults and children. Safety and effectiveness aside, preliminary studies have shown it can shorten recovery time for some patients.
After previously approving an emergency use authorization, the FDA as of July 1 cautions against use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting or a clinical trial. A review of safety issues includes reports of serious heart rhythm problems and other safety issues, including blood and lymph system disorders, kidney injuries, and liver problems and failure.
Convalescent serum therapy
Some patients are receiving convalescent serum, meaning the antibodies made by people who have recovered after a COVID-19 infection. Antibody-rich blood plasma is being given to severely or critically ill COVID-19 patients, including Ascension St. John, Saint Francis Health System, OSU Center for Health Sciences and Hillcrest HealthCare System in Tulsa.
From June to July, requests for convalescent plasma from the Oklahoma Blood Institute multiplied seven-fold.
Recovery, as defined by CDC
To be considered recovered (without a test), these three things must happen, the CDC advises:
- No fever for at least 72 hours (three full days of normal temperature without the use of medicine)
- Other symptoms improved (no more cough, etc.)
- At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared
