The Georgetown Police Department announced Sept. 16 that it had lost one of its own to COVID-19.

Officer Michelle Gattey, who joined the department in January, passed away after a battle with the virus at age 44, according to a post on the GPD Facebook page.

“Officer Gattey will be remembered for her wonderful smile, her soft-spoken manner, and her commitment to our country and our community,” Georgetown Police Department said in the post. ”She truly exemplified what it means to have a servant heart. Her family, her friends, and all of us will miss her more than words can describe. Rest easy sister. We have the watch.”

After a 23-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Gattey joined Georgetown Police following an internship with the department and attended the police academy in 2020, according to the post, which also said she had previously been named the department’s succeeding Victim’s Service Coordinator.

Gattey's death comes close after the sudden passing on Sept.13 of Kevin Stofle, the Williamson County Precinct 3 Constable. Stofle was first appointed constable in 2013 and had a 33-year career in law enforcement.