Deputy in critical condition with COVID-19

Oscar Rocha has worked at courthouse or jail for 25 years

OAKLAND >> A senior deputy with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office is fighting for his life, in critical condition with COVID-19.

Deputy Oscar Rocha, a 25-year veteran of the department, is in intensive care and on a ventilator battling the coronavirus. As of Tuesday, he was in very critical condition and has been in that state for about two weeks.

Rocha, 57, has worked most of his career in either the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse in Oakland or the Santa Rita Jail.

“He’s well known at the Rene C. Davidson courthouse. Anyone that works in the criminal justice system, be it a defense attorney, prosecutor, judge or even reporter, knows Oscar,” said Sgt. Ray Kelly. “He’s just a kind soul.”

It’s not known exactly where Rocha contracted the virus, although he had been recently assigned to the jail, where there has been an outbreak. A total of 41 jail staffers or contractors have gotten the virus; six are currently positive. About five dozen staffers had to be under quarantine because they tested positive or came into contact with another staffer who tested positive.

Although there are five current Santa Rita Jail inmates that have been diagnosed with the virus, a total of 72 have contracted COVID-19 since March. All the inmates’ cases have been mild to moderate, according to the sheriff’s office.

Anyone that might have come into contact with Rocha recently has been contacted, Kelly said.

“We’re doing everything we can in regards to making sure we can provide assistance,” he said. “The sad part of this disease, it impacts each person so differently.”

While Rocha’s friends and family normally would come together and offer support, gatherings aren’t possible because of the health pandemic. His wife has only been able to visit him once since he has been hospitalized.

“It’s a very lonely experience,” Kelly said.

Since the deputy’s hospitalization was announced on social media, many people have reached out to offer support or prayers.

“We just wish him well,” Kelly said.