(El Centro names their Officer of the Year)….The honor went to Officer Efren Coronel.

The announcement was made just before the end of 2020. Coronel died at a San Diego Hospital in June. He was 51 years old. He reportedly died from complications from COVID 19. It was determined Officer Coronel died in the line of duty aftrer it was determined he had probably contracted the virus while subduing a COVID positive suspect. El Centro Police Officials said Coronel was an incredible tole model for the youth in the community, within the police department and many others fortunate enough to know him, personally and professionally. El Centro Police Chief Brian Johnson said Officer Coronel was an incredible public servant who lived life to the fullest.