As the death toll from COVID-19 rises across New Jersey, more residents have felt the impact from the loss of loved ones and prominent members of the community. First responders serving on the front lines have been hit particularly hard as they work to keep civilians healthy.
Some of those first responders have given their lives, and their sacrifices have not been forgotten.
Sargent AlTerek Patterson of the Bedminster Police Department died unexpectedly from COVID-19 on Easter morning.
Corrado DeVincenzo, an officer in the Bayonne Police Department, was a close friend of the Patterson family. DeVincenzo recently started a GofundMe campaign, in conjunction with PBA Local 366, to assist Sergeant Patterson’s wife and three young children.
“As first responders, we put our lives on the line every day, and in this case we are fighting an enemy that we cannot see, COVID-19,” DeVincenzo wrote. “However, like always, we stick together and put the public first. Please rally together with us and AlTerek’s youngest brother, New Jersey State Trooper, Michael Patterson, to support AlTerek’s family during the most difficult time of their lives.”
A dedicated family man
Patterson fought a courageous battle against COVID-19 until his unexpected death on Easter Sunday, according to DeVincenzo. He had served The Bedminster Township Police Department since 2006. Patterson was promoted to the rank of sergeant in October 2014.
“He always had a smile on his face and touched the lives of so many residents at their time of need,” DiVincenzo said.
Patterson was a family man. Everything he did was to put his wife, eight-year-old daughter and 2 1/2-year-old twins, in a better position.
He picked up as many extra hours as he could so he could provide for his family and buy his college sweetheart her dream home. He made his dad the best man in his wedding and called his mom every day.
“That’s the type of man he was and some of the reasons why he will be missed by many,” DiVinzenzo said. “Please join us in raising support for his wife and children.”
To support the Patterson family, residents can donate online at his official GoFundMe fundraiser page.
Residents can also make a contribution directly to Terek’s wife Brandi through venmo @Brandi-patterson-0 or by checks made out to “Brandi Patterson.” Mail them to Brandi Patterson C/O PBA 366, PO Box 716, Bedminster, NJ 07921.
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