Cop Killed by Swine Flu on Long Island
Saturday, Aug 8, 2009 | Updated 12:01 PM EDT
AP
Johnson's death marks the tenth swine-flu related death on Long Island.
The swine flu's latest New York victim is a 27-year-old police officer, authorities say.
The NYPD says Ryan Johnson died Friday after battling the respiratory illness for nearly two months.
Johnson lived in Brookhaven on Long Island. He suffered from asthma, but had been healthy enough to work on the force for five years. He served at a precinct in Brooklyn.
Suffolk County health officials say Johnson was hospitalized June 17. Anti-viral medication failed to save his life.
Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly says Johnson "fought valiantly over many weeks, often expressing his desire to return to the job.''
Johnson joined the police force in 2004. There have been 10 swine-flu related deaths on Long Island, including Johnson.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC New York
