Left to right: Mathew Hefter, Lonnie Durham, Nick Sessions (Courtesy photos/Phoenix Police Department, Glendale Police Department, Bullhead City Police Department)
PHOENIX — The 100 Club of Arizona over the past year has supported 10 families of first responders who have died from complications of COVID-19, with three coming in the last week.
Bullhead City Police Department Lt. Nick Sessions, Glendale Police Officer Lonnie Durham and Phoenix Police Department Officer Mathew Hefter each died last week from complications of the virus.
While the Phoenix Police Department in an email could not confirm anything regarding Hefter’s medical issue that caused his death, multiple sources told KTAR News on Monday that Hefter died of complications due to COVID-19.
Although it’s unclear if those cities will honor the deaths as in the line of duty, the 100 Club of Arizona has supported the families regardless.
“We really do provide ample support in most all capacities when it comes to a significant long-term illness or death,” Angela Harrolle, CEO of the 100 Club of Arizona, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday.
In addition to the COVID-19 related deaths reported this week, there have been six other first responders killed in line-of-duty events in the last 30 days.
This includes an AMR EMT who was shot and killed in Tucson and the two firefighters killed in a plane crash while surveying the Cedar Basin Fire.
“It’s overwhelming for us,” Harrolle said. “It’s been an incredibly sad month for the 100 Club, which really pushed our envelope.”
The 100 Club of Arizona gives each family $15,000 in support following a line-of-duty death.
Despite the financial toll the nonprofit has faced recently, the 100 Club of Arizona is grateful to be able to repay families for their loved one’s service.