Rest in peace, Port Authority Police Officer John M. Cortazzo (EOW 3/14/2009). Police Officer Cortazzo succumbed to a 9/11 illness contracted during his heroic and selfless work in the toxic environment of the World Trade Center Rescue and Recovery. John, continue your rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten.
Help Family of Fallen PAPD Officer Anthony Varvaro Raise Funds for Tunnel to Towers
Help Kerry Ann Varvaro and Anthony Varvaro Jr., wife and son of fallen Port Authority Police Officer Anthony Varvaro (EOW 9/11/2022), raise funds for Tunnel to Towers as they climb the stairs of 1 World Trade Center in the annual Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb. This year’s event takes place on Sunday, June 7, when participants will ascend all 104 stories of 1 World Trade Center. You can support Kerry Ann and Anthony Jr. in honoring Officer Varvaro’s memory by donating at nyctowerclimb.t2t.org/Race/119917/Donate/SGxlDFZayTHW8jVi.
PAPD Officers Save Life on George Washington Bridge
In the early morning hours of Sunday, March 8, Police Officer Richard Mills responded to a report of a parked vehicle eastbound at midspan of the George Washington Bridge, along with information about an individual contemplating ending their life. Officer Mills located the now-abandoned vehicle, canvassed the area and entered the South Walkway, where he observed a person climbing the outer fence high above the Hudson River. Officer Keith Walcott soon joined Mills, and together they tactically removed the distressed person from the fence. The person initially resisted the officers’ lifesaving efforts. Fort Lee EMS arrived, evaluated the individual and transported them for further care. Another life saved by the PAPD.
PAPD Officers Help Distressed Individual on George Washington Bridge
Recently, Port Authority Police Officer Miguel Correa was on patrol in Washington Heights when he was notified of a distressed individual near the George Washington Bridge who may have been contemplating self-harm. Officer Correa located the person on the North Walkway, transmitted his location and was soon joined by additional officers. With professionalism and compassion, the officers intervened, took the individual into custody and ensured they received the help they needed. Another life saved by the PAPD.
In Remembrance: Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Timothy O’Connor
Rest in peace, Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Corporal Timothy O’Connor (EOW 3/8/2026). Trooper O’Connor conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was being operated erratically. Upon approaching, he was fatally shot by the vehicle’s operator. He was 40 years old and had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for 15 years and six months. He is survived by his wife and daughter. Timothy, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten.
In Remembrance: North Carolina Sheriff’s Deputy Kaleb Mitchell
Rest in peace, Forsyth County, North Carolina, Sheriff’s Deputy Kaleb Mitchell (EOW 3/7/2026). Deputy Mitchell was struck and killed by a vehicle that crossed into his lane of traffic. The vehicle was reportedly traveling at 100 mph in a 55 mph zone. Deputy Mitchell was 24 years old and had served with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office for one year. He previously served with the King Police Department for three years. Kaleb, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten.