20-Year Veteran McAlester Officer Dies From COVID-19

People in McAlester are remembering a law enforcement officer who had served more than 20 years to his community.

He died over the weekend from COVID-19.

Shelley Kelley said her husband, Danny, was her hero with a servant's heart and he is gone too soon.

Officer Danny Kelley took the motto "protect and serve" to heart, both at work and at home with his family.

"He was a big guy with an even bigger heart," said Shelley.

Shelley said she and Danny were friends for many years before they started dating. They quickly fell in love.

Danny is from McAlester. Shelley said his family and their son, Grant, were his entire world.

"He could make your darkest day bright," Shelley said.

Danny began working for McAlester Police back in 2009, after serving as a sheriff's deputy.

McAlester Police Chief Kevin Hearod met Danny decades ago. He said he was passionate about helping other people in the department through training and teaching.

He taught firearms and even came in on off days to help.

"He was the type of person to get out there and make things better," said Chief Hearod.

Chief Hearod said Danny was funny, outgoing, and kindhearted.

Danny tested positive for COVID a few weeks ago.

He recently took a turn for the worse and couldn't get access to a heart lung machine. He passed away over the weekend.

"He meant a lot to this department to the community, and we'll miss him," said Chief Hearod.

At only 48 years old, Shelley said Danny was way too young. The only thing keeping her going is her all the people surrounding her with love.

"He was our son's hero, and he's my hero," Shelley said.

Shelley said Danny was so loved that even people he arrested came to vigils to honor him.

Danny's funeral is on February 5 and has been paid for by a local business.