North Newton police patrol officer, 46, dies from COVID-19-related health issues
A patrol officer working for the North Newton Police Department died Tuesday morning from health complications associated with a COVID-19 infection, according to a news release from Harvey County.
Brian Rousseau, 46, joined the North Newton police force in 2018 after an 18-year career with the Newton Police Department, the release says.
“Brian was very dedicated to the profession. He was the kind of officer that if things went bad, you would want him beside you,” North Newton Police Chief Randy Jordan said in a prepared statement.
“He was a joy to be around in the office – a great sense of humor and a genuine love for life. We lost a terrific officer and a terrific person today,” Jordan said.
North Newton City Administrator Kyle Fiedler called Rousseau, who also served for more than a decade on Harvey County’s Emergency Response Team, “an exemplary employee” who was also “a wonderful person to be around.”
“Serving the community was immensely important to Brian, and our community will miss him greatly,” Fiedler said in a prepared statement.
Announcement of the officer’s death on social media immediately drew comments from area residents who also knew Rousseau as a “good officer” and a “good guy.”
McPherson’s police chief, Mikel Golden, wrote on Facebook that Rousseau was “one of the best.”
“You will be missed by many ERT members in McPherson and across this region who had the opportunity to work and train with you! Rest In Peace Brutha!”
Rousseau, a Grand Junction, Colorado, native, lived in Marion County. He is survived by his wife and two children.
His funeral arrangements are pending.
This story was originally published December 28, 2021 at 5:42 PM.
