Police Officer Dennis Guerra died Wednesday morning from injuries suffered when he responded to a fire in a Brooklyn apartment building.
Officer Guerra is the first policeman killed in the line of duty in three years. His death is a brutal reminder of the risks our men and women in blue take when they put on the uniform of New York’s Finest.
The police have arrested 16-year-old Marcell Dockery, who is accused of starting the fire that ultimately claimed the life of Officer Guerra. The fire also left Guerra’s partner, Officer Rosa Rodriguez — a mother of four — in critical condition.
With the lead suspect in custody, our priority turns to the loved ones this fallen officer has left behind. The motto of the NYPD is Fidelis ad Mortum, or “faithful unto death.” That was the credo Officer Guerra lived right up to the moment he was taken from us, and we are confident this big-hearted city will honor that fidelity with its characteristic generosity.
Elsewhere in today’s paper, The Post reports the Silver Shield Foundation (www.silvershieldfoundation.org) is now seeking donations for the education of Officer Guerra’s four children: Kathleen, Jonathan, Alyssa and Zachary. Though nothing can replace the father who was stolen from them, or the husband who was taken from his wife, Cathy, these donations will be a sign New York does not forget.
We wish Officer Rodriguez a speedy recovery, and we salute her gallant service and that of Officer Guerra. As their families would tell you, they are examples of what we ask our police to do every day: place themselves between us and harm.