Coronavirus Takes Life Of Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Staffer

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A member of the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office staff lost his battle with coronavirus Thursday, officials said.

"It is with heavy hearts that the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of Investigator Sergeant Keith Allison," Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon said in a release.

Allison was hospitalized with serious COVID-19 complications last week, Toulon said.

Allison launched his career with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office in 1995 and celebrated his 25th year of service in February, Toulon said.

After a short time spent as a correction officer at the Riverhead Correctional Facility, Allison began working for the personnel investigations bureau, conducting background investigations and interviews for new employees, both uniformed and civilian, Toulon said.

He later became the commanding officer of the personnel investigations bureau and was promoted to investigator sergeant in 2018, Toulon said.

"Because of his long tenure with the personnel investigations bureau, Inv. Sgt. Allison helped many of the current sheriff’s office employees through the hiring process. He will be missed by all," Toulon said.

Allison leaves behind his wife, Brenda, his children, Alicia and Darius, and his granddaughter Ava.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Inv. Sgt. Keith Allison. He was an excellent officer, a husband, father, and grandfather who was deeply committed to his family and the sheriff's office. We all have heavy hearts on his passing," Toulon said.

No services have been announced.