Rockaway Beach, Queens – Today I join our brave NYPD officers of the 100th Precinct and families across Rockaway in sadness and disbelief over the events of the last 24 hours.

Last night, a hit-and-run traffic accident took the life of twenty-five year old Police Officer Vincent Harrison. This senseless and deplorable act robbed our community of a bright young officer who, in his short career, dedicated himself to making our community a better place. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and ask that the driver who killed him be swiftly brought to justice.

While we mourn the loss of Officer Harrison, our thoughts and prayers also turn to 100th Precinct Executive Officer, Captain Matthew Hanrahan as he recovers from a cardiac arrest. These twin tragedies encourage us to remember the quiet, fragile humanity of the men and women in blue who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. I wish Captain Hanrahan a full recovery and speedy return to the force.

(YWN Desk – NYC)