A 47-year-old veteran UAB police officer is fighting for his life after testing positive for COVID-19, according to his wife.

Sgt. Parnell Guyton, who has been on the UAB force for 16 years, was diagnosed one week ago with the coronavirus. His wife, Fekisha Vaughan Guyton, said he began to feel sick with flu-like symptoms on Friday, March 27.

On Tuesday, March 31, he was taken via ambulance to UAB Hospital’s emergency room where he has remained in ICU since his arrival. The father of a 7-year-old son, Guyton is in critical but stable condition.

UAB Sgt. Parnell Guyton (Contributed)

His wife is asking for prayers from the community. “Please let everyone know that coronavirus is real, and they must shelter in place,’’ Fekisha Guyton wrote. “As a first responder, he went to work so we could stay safe at home.”

“Sergeant Guyton is an exemplary officer and friend, and our thoughts, prayers and support are with him and his family,” UAB Police and Public Safety Chief Anthony Purcell said in a statement to AL.com.