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HAMMOND – This week, two Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies died following complications due to COVID-19.

“It is with much sadness and a heavy heart that we share 59 year-old Sergeant Gerald Sopsher and 69 year- old Deputy Donnie Booty, both passed away this week in hospital beds,” reports Sheriff Daniel Edwards. Booty makes the fourth TSPO deputy to lose their life to this deadly virus.

A veteran of 13 years, Gerald Sopsher served as a Sergeant at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail.  Sopsher was known throughout the department for his loyal and dedicated service.  He spent most of his adult life serving and caring for members of our community.  “Covid has taken a dear friend from our ranks.” says  Edwards.  Sopsher was immensely loved and respected by his peers and will be greatly missed.  “We will always be grateful for his service and he will never be forgotten.”

Deputy Donnie Booty spent the past three years serving as a bailiff at the Tangipahoa Parish Courthouse. He is described as being an extremely kind and generous person. Mr. Booty loved serving the community.  “His loss leaves a void and pain in our hearts.” Edwards says.  Please keep these families and the TPSO in your thoughts and prayers.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has worked extensively on enhancing safety protocols, providing educational material and training to our deputies on the dangers of this deadly virus and ways to reduce the spread, which now includes the importance of getting vaccinated.  “Like anything else, it’s a personal decision that someone makes,” states Chief Jimmy Travis. “Our goal is to help make Tangipahoa Parish safer and healthier.  Although we feel it’s best for people to get vaccinated, by no means is it department policy.”