The Oklahoma City Fire Department announced Monday that Major Andy Davis, who died on Christmas Eve, contracted the COVID-19 virus when he responded to a call.
His death was followed by the death of a second firefighter, Robert Saudia, a support services specialist who died Monday at his home in southern Oklahoma City. Both men died at the age of 45.
Davis and Saudia are among the 171 firefighters who contracted the virus, 148 of whom have recovered. No further details were available on the death of Saudi on Monday. He served in the force for two years.
Fire Chief Richard Kelley fought at a press conference Monday afternoon while speaking about Davis, a 20-year veteran stationed at No. 10 Fire Station on NW 16 and Pennsylvania Avenue just west of the Plaza District.
“Andy liked fun,” Kelley said. “He was a joy to be around because he always had a funny story or one-liner to laugh about. He was the type of firefighter you always wanted at the scene of the incident because you knew he would always get the job done. “
Davis came from a family of firefighters who served the city for half a century. He was the son of retired Captain Johnny Davis, brother of Deputy Chief Tony Davis and Major Scott Davis and uncle of Cpl. AJ Davis.
“It’s a family that has served this community for many years,” said Kelley. “We mourn with his family and want to do what we can for this family.”
Davis first showed symptoms on December 11. It was tested by the fire department’s medical department and tested positive for COVID-19. On December 15, he coughed and suffered from a cough, headache, fever, and fatigue. He was hospitalized the next day.