Horry County police officer has died from COVID-19 complications
An Horry County police corporal died of coroanvirus complications, officials announced Wednesday afternoon.
Cpl. Michael Ambrosino served more than 32 years as a police officer, including seven years with Horry County police. He served in South Precinct patrol, beach patrol, as part of the Honor Guard and team leader for SWAT negotiations.
He was 57.
“The loss of an active member of our agency is one of my worst fears as your Chief,” Joe Hill said in an announcement detailing Ambrosino’s death. “But I also know how strong we are as an HCPD family and will be there for Mike’s family in the days, weeks and months to come.”
Ambrosino died Wednesday after a prolonged battle with COVID-19, officials stated. His is the first publicly announced, coronavirus-related death of police officer in the Myrtle Beach area.
Horry County police spokeswoman Mikayla Moskova said Ambrosino was sick for about a month.
Officers blocked off some roads in the Garden City area and near Highway 544 on Wednesday afternoon for a processional where Ambrosino was taken from the hospital to a funeral home.
Outside of work, Ambrosino was active and spent times outdoors, officials said. He was also a prankster and storyteller.
Before joining Horry County police, Ambrosino served with the New York State Department of Corrections, the Philmont, New York, Police Department and the Coxsackie, New York, Police Department.
“My deepest condolences are with the family and friends of Cpl. Ambrosino. Our entire Public Safety family is mourning the loss of one of our brothers and friends. He was a wonderful person and officer and he will be missed,” Assistant County Administrator Randy Webster said.
According to Horry County latest update, 20 members of the police department have tested positive for COVID-19. All but one has returned to work, its unclear if the one was Ambrosino.
On Thursday, Horry County police and the Coastal Carolina Fraternal Order of Police announced a Go Fund Me to support Amrosino’s family. Donations can be made online.
This story was originally published August 19, 2020 at 3:35 PM with the headline "Horry County police officer has died from COVID-19 complications."
