The streets of Far Rockaway were lined with thousands of police officers this morning who came out to honor their fallen brother, Police Officer Dennis Guerra. Guerra died last week after succumbing to injuries he suffered while responding to a fire at a Coney Island public housing building. His commanding officer, Deputy Inspector Carlos Valdez, told 1010 WINS, "Dennis was a great cop and an even better person. He served this department with dignity and honor."
Guerra and partner Rosa Rodriguez were headed to 2007 Surf Avenue on April 6th, after receiving a 911 call about a fire on the 13th floor. When they got out of the elevator they were overcome by smoke and lost consciousness. By the time the FDNY found them, the officers were passed out in the hallway, with Guerra in cardiac arrest. Marcell Dockery, 16, reportedly admitted that he set a mattress ablaze on the 13th floor—he lives on the 12th with his mother—and was unable to put it out. The teen was charged with arson and murder. Guerra died days later.
Mayor de Blasio spoke at the funeral at St. Rose of Lima Church in Rockaway Beach and announced that Guerra was promoted to first-grade detective. From the Post:
Friends and family traded stories about a brave cop, a loyal husband, a devoted father, a trusted friend, a dutiful son and a dependable neighbor who loved cooking on the grill and eating French fries and chicken wings for lunch.
Whether he was bringing blankets to neighbors after Hurricane Sandy or pushing his son, Zachary, on a bike Guerra spent every day of his short life putting others before himself.
“His is not so much a job, it’s a calling,” Mayor de Blasio told the thick crowd.. “Every day you make a difference. You really give your life. No other profession gives as much. Sometimes it takes as much away.”
Guerra leaves behind a wife and four children. His death is the first NYPD in-the-line-of-duty death since 2011, when Police Officer Peter Figoski was shot during a home invasion.
