More than 600 law enforcement members have tested positive for the coronavirus across New Jersey, and one member of the Asbury Park Police Department known for her big heart and charitable work, is also battling the disease.

Connie Breech, 57, has been a member of the Asbury Park Police Department for the past 20 years. Breech also founded the Asbury Park Toy Drive, and is an advocate for the LBGT community.

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Breech, who is also an Army veteran, is going public with her diagnosis of COVID-19 to show it could impact anyone.  Her big smile and bright blonde hair are signatures of her personality, from pug parades to backpack and toy drives, she's the leading woman behind the scenes making it all possible. 

She has been sidelined now from work for three weeks, and has a message for all who are watching. 

"It's scary when you open up and watch the TV every day and you look at different statistics and you see some of your friends, some of your peers that are not beating this, it's a scary thing, it's like just the flu,” says Breech. “But it's not just the flu. This thing is something different, this is an evil flu and it's tough. For me it's tough just sitting on the sidelines. I just have to thank the support that I have, the guys that I work with."

Breech says the worst is now over. She says it began with a slight cough, and then felt like someone just grabbed a hold of her lungs. She lost her sense of taste and smell, but she's on the upside now and says she can't wait to return to work to protect and serve the people of Asbury Park.

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