Rest in peace, Copperas Cove, Texas, Police Officer Elijah Garretson (EOW 1/10/2026). Police Officer Garretson responded to a report of a suspicious person when he was ambushed and fatally shot. He was 27 years old and had served with the Copperas Cove Police Department for seven months. He graduated the police academy in July 2025 as the Honor Graduate. Elijah, rest in the Lord/s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten.
In Remembrance: Massachusetts Police Officer Stephen LaPorta
Rest in peace, Uxbridge, Massachusetts Police Officer Stephen LaPorta (EOW 1/7/2026). Police Officer LaPorta was fatally struck by a tractor-trailer while assisting a disabled motorist. He was 43 years old and had served with the Uxbridge Police for one year and seven months. He is survived by his wife and children. Stephen, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten.
In Remembrance: D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer Terry Bennett
Rest in peace, D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer Terry Bennett (EOW 1/7/2026). Police Officer Bennett was assisting a disabled motorist on December 23, 2025, when he was struck and critically injured by a vehicle. Bennett succumbed to his injuries on January 7, 2026. Police Officer Bennett was 32 years old and had served almost eight years with the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. He is survived by his wife and children. Terry, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten.
In Remembrance: Texas Constable’s Office Deputy Aaron Armstrong
Rest in peace, Caldwell County, Texas, Constable’s Office Deputy Aaron Armstrong (EOW 1/4/2026). Deputy Armstrong was assigned to a security detail at a local night club when he was fatally shot by a man he was attempting to arrest. Deputy Armstrong had served with the Caldwell County Constable’s Office for one year. He previously served with the Smithville Police Department. Aaron, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten.
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
The Port Authority PBA thanks and appreciates all law enforcement officers and acknowledges their selfless dedication, courage and sacrifice. The Port Authority PBA is proud and honored to represent the finest among American law enforcement officers — Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police officers.
PAPD Police Officer Saves Life of Choking Toddler at JFK Airport
On Monday evening, January 5, Port Authority Police Officer Elijah Ali was on patrol in the vicinity of JFK Airport Terminal 4 when he was approached by a young mother, fraught with fear, about her 2-year-old child choking on a piece of candy. The child was in the mother’s vehicle. The officer immediately responded, assessed the child and determined the child was choking.