Tri-Valley Deputy Who Fell To COVID-19 Mourned During Service
DANVILLE, CA — The life and legacy of fallen Alameda County Sheriff's Deputy Oscar Rocha, 56, was honored Tuesday at a memorial service.
Rocha, a California High School graduate and Danville resident, died July 23 due to COVID-19 complications. His death is being treated as a line-of-duty death because he's thought to have fallen ill while working in the booking area of Santa Rita Jail.
The Alameda County Fire Department raised a flag in his memory. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra commended him for his service.
"I ask every Californian to take a moment today to pause and honor the life and service of Oscar Walter Rocha," Becerra said on his Twitter account. "Rest in eternal peace, Deputy Rocha."
Read: Tri-Valley Sheriff's Deputy Honored After Losing COVID-19 Fight
Rocha — a nearly 25-year-veteran of the department — typically worked at the René C. Davidson Courthouse in Oakland, but had started to pick up shifts at the jail when he got sick. The sheriff's office has linked his case to the jail's first outbreak.
RIP Deputy Rocha. Thank you for your service.
Posted by CHP - Dublin on Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Rocha was remembered as a kindhearted, hardworking family man who dedicated his life to providing a top-notch public service. He leaves behind wife and high school sweetheart Maureen Ennor Rocha, an adult son, adult stepchildren and parents.
The sheriff's office honored him last month in an emotional ceremony. Alameda County Sheriff Gregory Ahern was at John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek to receive his body, covered by an American flag.
"He put up a courageous fight to the end and will never be forgotten," the sheriff's office previously said.
Today, ACFD Truck 17 had the honor of flying a garrison flag at the memorial service of Alameda County Deputy Sheriff Oscar Rocha, who died from complications due to COVID-19. He put up a courageous fight to the end and will never be forgotten. EOW 7/23/20 pic.twitter.com/CqQLZhMKmW
— Alameda County Fire (@AlamedaCoFire) August 4, 2020
I ask every Californian to take a moment today to pause and honor the life and service of Oscar Walter Rocha, Deputy Sheriff with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Dept.
Deputy Rocha passed away on July 23 from complications due to COVID-19.
Rest in eternal peace, Deputy Rocha.
— Xavier Becerra (@AGBecerra) August 4, 2020
This article originally appeared on the Danville Patch
