Deaths of 2 Denver jail deputies declared 'line of duty' Deputies James Herrera and Daniel "Duke" Trujillo both died of COVID-19 after working at the Downtown Detention Center. Author: Nate Lynn Updated: 11:46 PM MDT May 27, 2021 DENVER — The recent deaths of two Denver jail deputies of COVID-19 have been declared "line of duty," the Denver sheriff announced Thursday night. According to a statement from Denver Sheriff Elias Diggins, the rights and benefits of that determination include the following: Departmentally appointed liaison to deputy's family Hospital Watch by sworn members of the Denver Sheriff Department (DSD) or other public safety departments Departmental escort from the hospital to the funeral service provider