Senior Police Officer Ernest Leal died as the result of complications after contracting COVID-19 while on duty.

Officer Leal had served with the Houston Police Department for 36 years and was assigned to the North Patrol Division. He is survived by his wife, four children, mother, and three siblings.

In early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic due to requirements of their job. Many of these first responders died as a result of COVID-19.