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Memorial ride honors Norton police officer who died of COVID-19

NORTON, Mass. — Dozens of first responders and community members participated in a memorial ride Thursday to honor a veteran Norton police officer who died of COVID-19.

Det. Sgt. Steve Desfosses, a 32-year veteran of Norton Police Department, died Wednesday after a weeks-long battle with the virus.

Norton Police Chief Brian Clark described Desfosses as a reliable police officer and a family guy, who lived for his wife and four children. Clark and Desfosses attended the police academy together and were close friends.

“He was one of the most loyal, trustworthy, dedicated officers, somebody that everybody would love to work with,” Clark said during the event Thursday. “Everybody that knew him became a friend.”

Desfosses developed symptoms of the virus in early December, along with several other Norton police officers. But within a couple of weeks, Desfosses was hospitalized at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. After weeks in the intensive care unit, Desfosses died with his family by his side.

First Responder Angels organized Thursday’s ride through town, passing by the police department, where a flag supporting law enforcement was raised over the street. Family and Norton residents lined the street in honor of Desfosses.

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