By FireRescue1 Staff
DALLAS — Dallas Firefighter David Leos has died from COVID-19.
The department announced the driver-engineer’s death on Thursday, noting his “long and courageous battle with COVID-19.”
Leos joined the department in 1981 and served for 40 years. He is the first active-duty firefighter in Dallas to die from the virus.
The department’s statement shared: “Leos leaves behind a wife and eight children along with countless other family members and friends who will miss him dearly. This is a tragic loss for our department; especially for his brother, Lieutenant Marty Leos, and son, Lieutenant David Leos, Jr., who have followed admirably in their brother/father’s footsteps. We ask that you keep David’s family, and the department, in your thoughts and prayers and we lean on one another for support during this most challenging time.”
On Wednesday, many Dallas firefighters, including those from Leos’ Fire Station 41, came together for a candlelight vigil.
Hearts are heavy today as we mourn the untimely passing of Driver Engineer, #DavidLeos. After serving the citizens of the @CityOfDallas for 40 years, David passed after a courageous battle with #COVID19. Please keep his #family, and ours, in your #thoughtsandprayers. #RIP Brother pic.twitter.com/lj0Byqakpj
— DALLAS FIRE-RESCUE (@DallasFireRes_q) September 2, 2021