Port Wentworth Police Department mourn Lt. Dale Sylvester Jr., who died of complications on Wednesday after contracting COVID-19 while on duty, according to the department’s Facebook page.

New Year’s Eve served the city police for about five years. He previously worked for the Chatham County Police Department and the Chatham District Attorney’s Office for 26 years.

“He is sorely missed by everyone,” said Port Wentworth Police Chief Matt Libby. “He was a great father, husband and a bloody cop.”

Libby’s relationship with Sylvester dates back 30 years when they worked together as rookies. Libby said New Years Eve was “compassionate, caring, firm and fair”.

Local police expressed their condolences, including Savannah Police Chief Roy Minter.

“Our thoughts and prayers go with family, friends and colleagues of the Port Wentworth Police Department Lt. Dale Sylvester, ”Minter tweeted.

According to the Officers Down Memorial Page, which tracks law enforcement officers who have passed away on duty, thousands of law enforcement officers and first responders have contracted COVID-19 due to the demands of their work.

This includes two employees from nearby Effingham County and a US Marshal from Brunswick.

“Please keep the New Year’s Eve family, friends, and co-workers in thoughts and prayers,” the department’s Facebook page wrote. “The Port Wentworth Police Department is so grateful for the continued support the community has given us during this period of mourning.”

Port Wentworth police announced that the visit to the First Baptist Church of Rincon (201 E. 6th Street, Rincon, GA, 31326) will be from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. A memorial service follows immediately afterwards.

Masks must be worn appropriately by all participants, regardless of vaccination.

Instead of flowers, the Sylvester family asked for a donation to the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire on twohundredclub.org.

Nancy Guan is the general reporter for the Chatham County communities. Reach her at nguan@gannett.com or on Twitter @nancyguann.