Atascosa County Emergency Management Coordinator David Prasifka passed away of COVID-19 on July 4, even as the number of confirmed cases in both Atascosa and Frio counties continued to rise.
News of Prasifka’s death was announced via a message shared on the county’s Facebook page.
“Prasifka worked diligently and passionately for Atascosa County and the citizens of Atascosa County for many years, not only as EMO, but as a volunteer fire fighter in Jourdanton,” the message stated. “Recently David had been leading Atascosa County through the COVID-19 pandemic. His humor, heart, and passion for not only his EMC job, but his family will be missed by many.”
Atascosa County EMS Director Don Penny is taking over for Prasifka.
“I am in no way going to try to fill that man’s shoes because it is an impossible task,” Penny wrote in a message posted on the County’s Emergency Management Office Facebook page. “I am going to continue his work which we all know he would have wanted it done. I am here and available to help you with any questions that you may have that needs answering. I will do my best to provide the best answers I can…Please bear with me as I will do my best to do what Mr. David has taught me over the past year that I had the pleasure of working with him.”
The county reported numbers from the Department of State Health Services on July 6 that included 165 confirmed COVID-19 cases, up from 137 last week. Seventy-one cases are currently active, and 92 patients have recovered.
Frio County
Frio County’s COVID Lifeline Dashboard reported 191 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of July 7, up from 134 last week. Eighty-seven cases are active, and 104 patients have recovered.
There are also 51 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pearsall’s GEO detention center, with four currently being isolated or monitored.
By Marly Davis
Staff Writer