Paul Forster is the first person employed by the City of Flint who is known to have died from coronavirus and one of three individuals who are known to have been positively diagnosed. NSO Forster had worked with the police department for three years assisting officers with enforcing blight and abandoned vehicle codes.
“We have lost another hero to this deadly disease,” Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “Paul Forster, one of the City of Flint’s Neighborhood Safety Officers, passed this morning from COVID-19. Paul helped to serve this city at the ground level, fighting blight and making our community a better place. We will miss him dearly I ask this community to join me in keeping his wife and children in our prayers.”
NSO Forster’s wife is a longtime police reserve lieutenant. The family gave permission for news of his death to be shared publicly.
“With heavy hearts, we learned of the passing of Neighborhood Safety Officer Paul Forster due to COVID-19,” The City of Flint Police Department posted on their website.
“NSO Forster was with the Flint Police Department for three years,” the post continues. “He always had a smile to offer and was willing to help in any way he could. NSO Forster’s wife is a longtime Police Reserve Lieutenant. We offer our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers to her, their children and all of their family and friends.”
Neeley has ordered City of Flint flags lowered to half-staff in recognition of all of the city’s lost heroes.
Both Officer Forster and the other two individuals diagnosed were quarantined more than 14 days ago.
