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Police Chief Accused of Linking Deputy’s Covid-19 Death to ‘Homosexual Events’ Police Chief Accused of Linking Deputy’s Covid-19 Death to ‘Homosexual Events’
(about 16 hours later)
MIAMI — A Florida police chief has been replaced after a police union said he berated his officers and told them that a sheriff’s deputy had died from the coronavirus because he was a “homosexual who attended homosexual events.”MIAMI — A Florida police chief has been replaced after a police union said he berated his officers and told them that a sheriff’s deputy had died from the coronavirus because he was a “homosexual who attended homosexual events.”
Dale Engle, the police chief in Davie, Fla., a town of 106,000 residents west of Fort Lauderdale, was placed on administrative leave on April 11 “pending further review of allegations brought forward by the Fraternal Order of Police,” the town administrator, Richard J. Lemack, said in a statement.Dale Engle, the police chief in Davie, Fla., a town of 106,000 residents west of Fort Lauderdale, was placed on administrative leave on April 11 “pending further review of allegations brought forward by the Fraternal Order of Police,” the town administrator, Richard J. Lemack, said in a statement.
Mr. Lemack added that “the allegations will be investigated in accordance with the Town’s Equal Employment Opportunity compliance policy by outside counsel.”Mr. Lemack added that “the allegations will be investigated in accordance with the Town’s Equal Employment Opportunity compliance policy by outside counsel.”
On Thursday, Mr. Lemack appointed Patrick Lynn, the former police chief in Davie, as acting chief.On Thursday, Mr. Lemack appointed Patrick Lynn, the former police chief in Davie, as acting chief.
Mr. Lynn served as the chief for almost 10 years before he retired in 2017. He has “the institutional knowledge of the agency, the community, along with the requisite leadership skills to provide interim guidance and support,” Mr. Lemack said.Mr. Lynn served as the chief for almost 10 years before he retired in 2017. He has “the institutional knowledge of the agency, the community, along with the requisite leadership skills to provide interim guidance and support,” Mr. Lemack said.
The complaint against Chief Engle, which was written by Mike Tucker, the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police chief of staff, described a patrol briefing on April 7 during which Davie police officers expressed concern about the coronavirus. The Miami Herald reported on the complaint on Saturday.The complaint against Chief Engle, which was written by Mike Tucker, the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police chief of staff, described a patrol briefing on April 7 during which Davie police officers expressed concern about the coronavirus. The Miami Herald reported on the complaint on Saturday.
Chief Engle “belittled” the officers and ordered them into the parking lot in formation “like cadets back in the police academy,” according to the complaint.Chief Engle “belittled” the officers and ordered them into the parking lot in formation “like cadets back in the police academy,” according to the complaint.
“Engle then proceeded to berate these members about the issues they raised, yelling about their ‘baseless’ concerns,” the complaint said.“Engle then proceeded to berate these members about the issues they raised, yelling about their ‘baseless’ concerns,” the complaint said.
Chief Engle then cited Shannon Bennett, a Broward County sheriff’s deputy who had died of Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, four days before.Chief Engle then cited Shannon Bennett, a Broward County sheriff’s deputy who had died of Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, four days before.
The chief suggested that Officer Bennett had contracted the coronavirus and died from it because “he was a homosexual who attended homosexual events,” the complaint said.The chief suggested that Officer Bennett had contracted the coronavirus and died from it because “he was a homosexual who attended homosexual events,” the complaint said.
After the incident, the chief sent an email to his department in which he tried to walk back his comments. He said that he had been trying to “provide as much information as possible” and that his comments may have been “taken out of context,” according to the complaint. The chief also invited officers to talk to him if they wanted to discuss something.After the incident, the chief sent an email to his department in which he tried to walk back his comments. He said that he had been trying to “provide as much information as possible” and that his comments may have been “taken out of context,” according to the complaint. The chief also invited officers to talk to him if they wanted to discuss something.
Mr. Tucker added in his report that Chief Engle’s actions, if true, “were unacceptable and are not representative of the longstanding professionalism of the Davie Police Department.”Mr. Tucker added in his report that Chief Engle’s actions, if true, “were unacceptable and are not representative of the longstanding professionalism of the Davie Police Department.”
Chief Engle was hired as a police officer in Davie in 1998 and was put in charge of the department last year. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.Chief Engle was hired as a police officer in Davie in 1998 and was put in charge of the department last year. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.
The State Fraternal Order of Police, which has 23,000 members, has called for a third party, like the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, to conduct an investigation.The State Fraternal Order of Police, which has 23,000 members, has called for a third party, like the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, to conduct an investigation.
The National Fraternal Order of Police also weighed in. “If these allegations are true, the disgusting insinuation made by Chief Engle is not becoming of the badge he wears,” the group said on Twitter.The National Fraternal Order of Police also weighed in. “If these allegations are true, the disgusting insinuation made by Chief Engle is not becoming of the badge he wears,” the group said on Twitter.
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Officer Bennett, 39, had been a member of the Broward Sheriff’s Office for more than 12 years. His most recent assignment was as a school resource officer at Deerfield Beach Elementary School, about 15 miles north of Fort Lauderdale. The Broward Sheriff’s Office described him as “an out and proud gay law enforcement deputy” who was planning to marry his partner later this year.Officer Bennett, 39, had been a member of the Broward Sheriff’s Office for more than 12 years. His most recent assignment was as a school resource officer at Deerfield Beach Elementary School, about 15 miles north of Fort Lauderdale. The Broward Sheriff’s Office described him as “an out and proud gay law enforcement deputy” who was planning to marry his partner later this year.
The Broward sheriff, Tony Gregory, said in a statement that Officer Bennett left work early on March 23 because he was not feeling well. He tested positive for the coronavirus on March 27 and died on April 3, according to the Sheriff’s Office.The Broward sheriff, Tony Gregory, said in a statement that Officer Bennett left work early on March 23 because he was not feeling well. He tested positive for the coronavirus on March 27 and died on April 3, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Gregory called Officer Bennett “a fine deputy and individual” who was instrumental in leading an initiative to foster unity between law enforcement and the L.G.B.T. community.Sheriff Gregory called Officer Bennett “a fine deputy and individual” who was instrumental in leading an initiative to foster unity between law enforcement and the L.G.B.T. community.
Sgt. Thomas Reyes, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police chapter in Miami, described Officer Bennett as a friend who volunteered at gay events, such as an annual prom.Sgt. Thomas Reyes, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police chapter in Miami, described Officer Bennett as a friend who volunteered at gay events, such as an annual prom.
“I loved watching him and his family get together on Facebook and sing,” he said. “He was a fun guy to be around.”“I loved watching him and his family get together on Facebook and sing,” he said. “He was a fun guy to be around.”
A message that was posted to the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page on April 5 included a quotation from Officer Bennett: “Through my work ethic and loyalty I was welcomed with open arms and have made a second family with the men and women here at the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. What I want you to know about me is that I am a human being, I am sensitive, I have feelings, and I love the same way you love.”A message that was posted to the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page on April 5 included a quotation from Officer Bennett: “Through my work ethic and loyalty I was welcomed with open arms and have made a second family with the men and women here at the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. What I want you to know about me is that I am a human being, I am sensitive, I have feelings, and I love the same way you love.”
In a statement on Monday, Officer Bennett’s partner, Jonathan Frey, responded to the accusations against Chief Engle.In a statement on Monday, Officer Bennett’s partner, Jonathan Frey, responded to the accusations against Chief Engle.
“The Chief’s alleged comments are completely false, homophobic, and slanderous,” said Mr. Frey, who had been in a relationship with Officer Bennett for a year and a half. “I look forward to the fair and impartial investigation initiated by the Town Manager, and I hope that appropriate action will be taken at its conclusion.”“The Chief’s alleged comments are completely false, homophobic, and slanderous,” said Mr. Frey, who had been in a relationship with Officer Bennett for a year and a half. “I look forward to the fair and impartial investigation initiated by the Town Manager, and I hope that appropriate action will be taken at its conclusion.”
Aimee Ortiz contributed reporting.Aimee Ortiz contributed reporting.