Austin police mourn death of officer from COVID-19 complications
Police said Joe Alvarado was instrumental in the teaching of defensive tactics at the Austin Police Academy for many years. Author: Jeff Bell Updated: 1:05 PM CST January 13, 2021
AUSTIN, Texas The Austin Police Department (APD) is mourning the death of Officer Joe Alvarado, who died on Tuesday from COVID-19 complications.
Police said Alvarado passed away at 8:53 a.m. at South Austin Hospital.
In a statement, police said, “He was instrumental in the teaching of defensive tactics at the Austin Police Academy for many years. His passion and expertise were responsible for the safety of many generations of officers.”
Austin s law enforcement community is mourning the loss of Joe Alvarado, a well-respected civilian instructor at the Austin Police Department Training Academy who died Tuesday because of coronavirus-related complications.
Alvarado served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was a 10th Dan black belt karate practitioner. Alvarado taught officers at the Austin Police Department s training academy as a martial artist. He was 76.
His son, Erik Alvarado, said his father was a man of principle who always promoted a strong work ethic. He said Alvarado s family has heard from many who have said they were impacted by his father s teachings.