Correctional Officer Rich Newkirk died from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 while serving at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center at 2700 Coral Ridge Avenue in Coralville.

Correctional Officer Newkirk was an Iowa National Guard veteran and had served with the Iowa Department of Corrections for 14 years. He is survived by his wife and son.

Beginning in early 2020, due to the requirements of their job, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the United States contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Hundreds of law enforcement officers died from medical complications as a result of contracting the virus while remaining on duty and interacting with the community.