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Senior Sgt. Steve Urias is the second Austin police officer to die of COVID in just 24 hours. (Joseph Chacon/Twitter)
Senior Sgt. Steve Urias of the Austin Police Department became the second Austin police officer to die of COVID-19 in just 24 hours, according to a statement from interim Chief Joe Chacon.
Chacon said that Urias was nearing retirement when he tested positive for COVID and died Thursday afternoon. In a written statement on Twitter, Chacon wrote that Urias served over 31 years with the department.
Today, Senior Sergeant Steve Urias lost his battle with COVID-19, and passed away while fighting the good fight. This is the 2nd line of duty death from COVID in as many days with our department, and frankly, it is hard for me to express my grief. pic.twitter.com/BVIBw1aRBx
— Joseph Chacon 👮🏻♂️ (@Chief_Chacon) August 26, 2021
"He was nearing retirement when this horrible disease struck him & his family," Chacon wrote. "He was a wonderful officer, husband, father & friend. He will be missed by us all."
Urias is survived by his wife and 2 adult children, Chacon wrote. "Frankly it is hard for me to express my grief," Chacon said.
The news comes just a day after Austin police officer Randall "Randy" Boyd was the first in the department to die due to complications from COVID-19. Boyd, who died on Wednesday morning, is survived by his wife and young twin boys.
"Randy was a great officer who gave everything he had for a life of service," Chacon said. "Despite the surging pandemic, officers have continued to put their lives on the line, showing up to serve the Austin community while placing themselves in harm's way."
It is once again with a heavy heart that I must inform you of the loss of another of our family - Senior Police Officer Randolph “Randy" Boyd. After a valiant fight against COVID-19, he succumbed to this horrible virus this morning. He is survived by his wife and young twin boys. pic.twitter.com/c4oSTJDzqp
— Joseph Chacon 👮🏻♂️ (@Chief_Chacon) August 25, 2021
Though these are firsts for Austin, police officers have died more from COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021 than any other cause, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
APD said they would not disclose whether either officer was was vaccinated.
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Tito's Handmade Vodka
Show your love for Tito's and for the community this year with a wide selection of not that ugly, uglyish, ugly, uglier, and ugliest holiday sweaters.
There's lots choose from, and plenty of accessories like scarves and socks, plus gear for your dog, too.
All of the items can be purchased online or at the Love, Tito’s Retail Store in Austin, TX. 100% of all net proceeds from online or in-store purchases go to one of the nonprofits we’ve teamed up with.
Click here to see the entire collection in the Tito's store.
🗓 All weekend
Check out this highly anticipated art exhibition with illuminated art along Waller Creek. Tickets are free and the event includes food vendors, dazzling lights, live music, and hands-on activities
All weekend 6 p.m - 10 p.m | 📍Waterloo Park
This iconic holiday tradition lights up for the first time this holiday season starting this weekend! Reserve your spot for an enchanting light and sound performance, delicious hot cocoa, sweet treats, and some overall fun with your friends or family. The show runs till January 6th.
6 p.m and 9 p.m | 📍Mozart's Coffee Roasters - 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
🗓 Saturday
This fitness event is free and open to the public. Get your morning started right with a "Fitness in the park" class for kickboxing! The class will be led by certified instructors and is a great way to get a cardio workout in while also honing your self-defense skills.
10 a.m - 11 a.m | 📍 Metz Park
Support local LBGTQ+ and female artists at this outdoor market with over 150 vendors. Get your holiday shopping out of the way at this event, with vendors for food trucks, handmade goods, raffles, hands on workshops and activities, and more.
Did someone say cheese?! If you're like me and always willing to get your hands on a bowl of mac and cheese, then this event is for you. Check out the Mac and Cheese festival happening this weekend to decide which vendor has. the best mac and cheese for yourself, and enjoy the bar with creative cocktails while you're at it. Tickets start at $45.
11 a.m - 3 p.m | 📍Lantana Place - 7415 Southwest Parkway
