In Memory of Jose Diramos Kates

Department of Corrections Officer ‘Joe’ Kates, 37, died July 11th after contracting COVID-19 during an outbreak among staff and inmates at North Kern State Prison.

In early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic due to requirements of their job. Many of these first responders died as a result of COVID-19.

Officer Kates had served with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for 4 years. He is survived by his wife and children.