Conservation Officer Steven Reighard, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa

Conservation Officer Steven Reighard

Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa

End of Watch Friday, January 8, 2021

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Steven Reighard

Conservation Officer Steve Reighard died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 during a presumed exposure while on duty.

Officer Reighard had served with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for 16 years and was assigned to Dickinson County. He is survived by his wife and son.

The Effects of COVID on Law Enforcement

Beginning in early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country began to contract COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Due to the nature of their job, law enforcement officers were required to work and interact with the community even as the majority of the country was self-quarantined. As a result, hundreds of officers died from COVID-related illnesses and other complications.

Corrections agencies, in particular, suffered tremendous losses due to the constant and close proximity between the corrections officers and large inmate populations. Since March 2020, ODMP has verified that over 900 law enforcement officers have died as the result of a confirmed or presumed exposure while on duty and continues to work with hundreds of other agencies that have suffered a COVID-related death.

Visit ODMP's COVID-19 memorial listing every officer who has died as a result of a confirmed or presumed exposure.

Bio

Age 59
Tour 16 years
Badge C 372

Incident Details

Cause COVID19
Incident Date Not available

COVID-19, communicable disease

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Most Recent Reflection

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Steve was not only a good friend and co-worker but an exemplary Conservation Officer. I think of you often Steve, I cherish the memories of working with you and look forward to seeing you again.

State Conservation Officer Brent Koppie
IDNR Law Enforcement Bureau

February 12, 2023