The Oklahoma City Fire Department announced Monday that Major Andy Davis, who died on Christmas Eve, caught the COVID-19 virus while answering a call.
His death was followed by the death of a second employee of the fire department, Robert Saudia, a specialist in assistance services who died on Monday at his home in southern Oklahoma City. Both men died at the age of 45.
Davis and Saudia are among 171 firefighters who caught the virus, of whom 148 have recovered since then. No other details about Saudi’s death were available on Monday. He was forcibly employed for two years.
Fire Chief Richard Kelley fought back tears at a news conference Monday afternoon as he spoke about Davis, a 20-year veteran based at fire station no.
“Andy was a lover of fun,” Kelley said. “It was a joy to be around, as he always had a funny story or a single liner to laugh at. He was the kind of firefighter you always wanted at the scene of the incident, because you knew he would always do the job. “
Davis came from a family of firefighters who served the city for half a century. He was the son of retired Captain Johnny Davis, the brother of Deputy Chief Tony Davis and Major Scott Davis and Uncle Cpl. AJ Davis.
“It’s a family that has served this community for many years,” Kelley said. “We are saddened by his family and want to do everything we can for this family.”
Davis showed symptoms for the first time on December 11th. It was tested by the fire department and tested positive for COVID-19. On December 15, he coughed and suffered from coughing, headache, fever and fatigue. He was hospitalized the next day.