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A Louisiana firefighter died Wednesday from COVID-19 complications.
Leonard Coney had been a Shreveport firefighter since August 2007, and he worked out of Station No. 5, the department stated in an online update. He was the first member of the department to die from the virus.
“Leonard Coney gave his life in service to our community," Fire Chief Edwin Scott Wolverton said in a statement. "He had the kindest spirit about him and he held a high compassion for meeting the needs of our citizens. He will be greatly missed by all SFD Brothers and Sisters."
Mayor Adrian Perkins called Coney "a public servant in the truest sense of the term." He will be awarded the Line of Duty Death Medal, and his name will be added to the Fallen Firefighter Memorial in 2022, Shreveport Fire Capt. Barbara Sellers told KSLA-TV.
Firefighter Leonard Coney was exposed to Covid-19 during his tour of duty, and ultimately succumbed to complications of...
Posted by Shreveport Fire Department on Wednesday, January 6, 2021
"He made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his city during a public health emergency and the City of Shreveport will be forever grateful,” the mayor said in a statement. “I ask that everyone join me in praying for Mr. Coney’s family during this difficult time, and that they honor his legacy by helping slow the spread of this virus in our community.”
