WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The city of West Palm Beach announced Monday that flags will fly at half-staff in memory of a police officer who died this past weekend from COVID-19.
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Officer Anthony Testa had served as an officer for the city since 2017.
Flags at City Hall and all city government facilities were lowered Monday morning and will remain at half-staff for three days in honor of Testa.
In a written statement, Mayor Keith James extended his condolences to the Testa family along with his fellow officers and co-workers.
According to an Instagram post from a friend and training partner, Testa was in the Army with the 173rd Airborne and served in Afghanistan and Iraq before he became a police officer.
His friend's post said Testa loved serving in uniform and was a field training officer.
"Tony was a man of his word. He was a quiet professional and reserved. His passion to save lives was beyond the call of duty. He would constantly call me and tell me about horrible calls where he utilized his medical skills learned in the Army and working/training with us," said Matt Casey, a friend of Testa. "He took great pride in serving and helping the people of his community. If more men were like Tony, the world would be a better place."
West Palm Beach police said Testa was awarded six life-saving medals.
According to a GoFundMe page, Testa had been battling the virus for several weeks and had to be put on a ventilator.
The city said Testa leaves behind a wife and son.