Dane County sheriff's deputy believed to be Wisconsin's first officer to die from COVID-19

A deputy with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office who is believed to have contracted the coronavirus while on duty has died at age 61.

Richard “Rick” Treadwell is believed to be Wisconsin’s first law enforcement officer to die from the virus after contracting it while on duty, according to a news release from Sheriff David Mahoney.

Treadwell had been with the department since 1995 and worked as a recruiter and instructor. The statement did not provide specifics but said “all evidence” indicates Treadwell contracted the virus while on duty.