A Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer, who was an expectant father, died on Friday after a months-long battle with coronavirus, officials said. 

This marks second coronavirus-related death among LAPD employees and officer Valentin "Val" Martinez was the first sworn LAPD officer to have died from the deadly coronavirus.

Martinez, 45, worked on the force for 13 years, according to Los Angeles Times. He worked as a patrol officer and was presumed to have come in contact with the virus while on duty, LAPD Chief Michel Morre said.

The KTLA had a copy of a statement from LAPD released Friday, saying Martinez lost his "courageous battle with coronavirus" that morning. The ABC 7 reported that the flags at Mission Hills police station, where Martinez worked, were lowered to half staff to honor the fallen police officer.

Martinez was survived by his 20-week pregnant partner, his mother and his siblings. A page dedicated to the officer's death said Martinez and Megan Flynn were having twins.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to his loved ones, friends, and his Mission Area family as they grieve the loss of a fallen hero," read the department's statement. Moore said he has allowed wearing the mourning band in honor of the fallen officer.

Moore noted that the Mission Station had received an "outpouring of love and support."

Martinez Helped A Heart Attack Victim

The police officer was honored before by his department for his 13 years of service and for his efforts to help save a heart attack victim.

"All of our officers have placed themselves, and their families, at increased risk throughout the response to the COVID-19 pandemic," a statement from the Los Angeles Police Protective League Board of Directors read. They said Martinez was a "hero" that left the earth too early and they want to honor the officers' sacrifices.

A GoFundMe Page Was Created

To help with the costs for his funeral and providing for his children, a memorial fund was set up. Martinez was described as a "loving partner" and a "valued colleague."

It also said Martinez tested positive for the coronavirus in late May. The page details his battle with the coronavirus at home for a week before he was rushed to Henry Mayo Hospital after his symptoms grew worse.

From there, he was moved to a Santa Monica hospital, where he was put on life support and his condition got more severe.

Coronavirus in LAPD

As of Wednesday, the LAPD reported a total of 437 employees who tested positive for the coronavirus. Of those employees, 254 were self-isolating and getting better after exposure. On the other hand, 237 returned to work, officials said.

Martinez is the second LAPD employee to have died from the virus. In early July, Erica McAdoo was the first member of the LAPD work force, who died from it. McAdoo was a senior detention officer, who died after weeks of fighting with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Moore believed that the boom of COVID-19 cases in LAPD may be partly linked to a wave of protests that started in late May. The department faced criticism from protesters that said officers did not wear masks at protests or on the streets.

However, Moore said their command staff requires their employees to wear masks whenever they can. He added that they also push officers to be as careful as much as they can.

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