911MEDIA

Congressmembers Laura Gillen (D-N.Y.-04) and John Rutherford (R-Fla.-05) introduced bipartisan legislation to address law enforcement officer mental health issues. The legislation, titled the Officer Wellness and Peer Support Act, is intended to “identify barriers to mental health support for law enforcement officers across the country,” according to a press release from Gillen and Rutherford. The Port Authority PBA supports and recognizes the efforts of Congressmembers Gillen and Rutherford. Port Authority PBA President Frank Conti said, “On behalf of the Executive Board and the entire Membership of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, I truly appreciate and respect Congresswoman Gillen’s recognition of not only the work that police officers do nationwide on a daily basis, but the inevitable associated costs and consequences incurred by those who choose this profession.”

Rest in peace, Citronelle, Alabama Police Officer Dylan Chase (EOW May 14, 2026). Police Officer Chase was killed in a motor vehicle accident while on patrol. He was 26 years old and had served with the Citronelle Police Department for two years. In 2025, he received the Citronelle Police Department Rookie of the Year award. Dylan, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten.

Honor and remember the sacrifices of our nation’s fallen law enforcement officers not just today, but every day, for they are the ones who answered the call when asked, “Who shall I send?” This is not television, but real and unimaginable work that no actor could ever truly portray. Every cop knows: the sacrifice continues.

Rest in peace, Greenwood, South Carolina, Police Officer Don “DJ” Keller (EOW May 11, 2026). Police Officer Keller was responding to a pursuit involving a vehicle suspected in several shooting incidents when he was killed after the fleeing vehicle, driven by a 15-year-old, struck his patrol vehicle head-on. Keller was 31 years old and had served with the Greenwood Police Department for three years and two months. He also served our nation as a soldier in the U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife and daughter. DJ, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten.

The Port Authority PBA always honors and remembers Port Authority Police Officer Anthony J. Mezzacappa (EOW May 14, 2024). Police Officer Mezzacappa succumbed to a 9/11-related illness contracted during his heroic and selfless work in the toxic environment of the World Trade Center Rescue and Recovery. Tony, continue to rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten.

Rest in peace, Maine Game Warden Joshua Tibbetts (EOW May 12, 2026). Warden Tibbetts was killed in an aircraft crash while flying a mission for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Warden Tibbetts was 50 years old and had served with the Maine Warden Service for 18 years. Joshua, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten.