(CNN) New York City police lost its first detective to Covid-19, marking the third NYPD death to the disease that has afflicted the department.

Detective Cedric Dixon, a 23-year veteran, worked in the 32nd Precinct in Harlem, NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said.

"May we never forget the sacrifice of those workers who put themselves in harm's way to keep you and your family safe," the police chief said.

The detective was in his 40s and had underlying health conditions, multiple law enforcement officials said. Shea did not provide details on the officer's health history.

Two other members of the department have died from coronavirus, which has infected at least 696 NYPD employees.