NewsLocal News

Actions

Beloved BPD school resource officer in ICU with COVID-19

Posted at 11:51 AM, Mar 26, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-26 17:27:01-04

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A beloved 35 year veteran of the Buffalo Police Department is in the ICU after testing positive for COVID-19.

Juan Phillips is a school resource officer for the department. He tested positive for COVID-19, according to friends. Phillips is in his mid-sixties. He is sedated, but not in a coma.

Friends describe Phillips in a Facebook post as someone who "helps strangers without a second thought."

His friends write on Facebook:

"Juan volunteers as a coach for both football and basketball at different schools. He buys food, out of his pocket for the players because he knows they don't eat healthy. He's a deacon at his church, and when he first went in the hospital, he still maintained the prayer line. Juan, told me he didn't want to worry people, but he worries for everyone else."

According to the post, which 7 Eyewitness News has been approved to use, Juan "always cares about others."

It goes on to say, "Deep down, he cares for people, but he loves the children of the Buffalo Public School system that he serves every day."

Buffalo Public School Superintendent Kriner Cash said in a tweet:

"We are all praying for our beloved soldier, Officer Juan Phillips, at this hour. He is one of Buffalo’s best."

Phillips is one of four of Buffalo's bravest who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Buffalo Police Benevolent Association President John Evans says officers have been given masks to deal with suspects, or people who may be infected with COVID-19.