Ex-Cooperstown police chief, 59, dies after health struggles
Though Officer
Covert, 59, had also previously served as an
"Mike and I worked together over the years so we had quite a history together,"
Village of Cooperstown Mayor
"I'm very sad to hear this," Tillapaugh said. "I was just very hopeful that everything would work out for him."
Tillapaugh praised Covert's community policing efforts he brought to the position, noting his establishment of the
"He was responsive to community needs. He was one of the earlier voices in the need to address, in kind of a human way, addiction issues," Tillapaugh said. "I think that was representative of his heart. He really did have a kind heart and was trying to help people."
Tillapaugh also spoke of Covert's professionalism and community presence. The former police chief made it a point to go to businesses on
"He had many strengths as a community police officer," Tillapaugh said.
Covert served as
Since he was on a medical leave of absence at that time, he was ineligible for village health insurance, according to a village media release from shortly after the county withdrew his coverage. Covert had stated he was receiving other insurance coverage, according to the release.
Covert said to
According to previous
"It's not only Mike it affected, it affects other sheriff's office employees so it would be nice to get the situation resolved to it doesn't happen again to anyone," Devlin said.
Devlin said he expects the issue will be addressed when deputies sit down with the county later this year to negotiate benefits and wages.
Shweta Karikehalli, staff writer, can be reached at [email protected] or 607-441-7221. Follow her @DS_ShwetaK on Twitter.
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