Charlotte NC April 26 2020
In Detroit Michigan, Darrin Cato who worked as a security guard at Detroit's Opera House passed away from the COVID-19 virus.
He loved the work that he did and he really cared for the job and the people who worked there almost as much as he cherished his family.
That's why when he lays in rest at a Detroit funeral home Monday, he'll be wearing his work badge.
"He loved that job so much I thought about putting him in his uniform," said his wife of 22 years, Leatrice Cato. "This is a man that never, ever would be sick. He never called off work for anything."
But somehow Darrin Cato did get sick from the coronavirus in early March. He died two weeks later March 26 at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.
Michigan Opera Theatre President and CEO Wayne S. Brown called Cato a mainstay figure at the Detroit Opera House for seven years where he made staff and guests alike feel safe.
"He was a friend to all at Michigan Opera Theatre, a warm face that greeted us when we walked through the door and a protector who made sure everyone returned to their cars safely, especially after evening performances," Brown said. "We are heartbroken over his passing, and extend our sympathies to those throughout our community and beyond who have also lost loved ones during this difficult time."
Rock Monroe, director of public safety and security for Michigan Opera Theatre said Cato was an exemplary employee and cherished friend. The two men also worked executive security for events beyond the Opera House, as part of a cadre of men who became affectionately known as the Black Knights of the Opera House.
Leroy Brown was an Army veteran, a volunteer fireman and a professional security officer who worked for over a dozen years in the Atlanta Georgia area.
He loved to help people, his wife, Vanessa said, and he was proud to be there when people needed help or needed to be protected.
He worked at most of the sporting venues in and around Atlanta and even guarded B.B. King and Lucille.
Leroy fell ill on April 17th and never recovered from the virus. His friends say that he was a kind soul, a true friend and that he'll be greatly missed.
The PS 4 school community in Long Island is mourning the loss of their beloved school security guard, Richie Chin, according to multiple social media posts.
Chin, 61, was described by many of the Arden Heights school's families on Facebook as being one of the "kindest, sweetest, and most sincere people" they have ever met.
The PTA at P.S. 4 posted to their Facebook page how dedicated Chin was to the school. They said he shared a love for all students, family, and staff at the school.
"He was very proud to be a part of our school. He greeted you each day with a smile, had a kind heart, and made each day at P.S. 4 bright," the PTA at P.S. 4 posted to their Facebook feed. "Thank you for always being a shining light and our protector. Richie, you will always remain forever in our hearts and will always be a part of the Maurice Wollin family."
According to the 123rd Precinct's Twitter, Chin was a school safety agent for the NYPD for six years. He began his career at Tottenville High School before moving to P.S. 4. Before becoming a school safety agent, Chin worked for the United States Post Service in Rosebank, where he was a supervisor.
NOTE: At least 79 security officers have now died from the COVID-19 virus.
