Rest in peace, Puerto Rico Police Department Agent Anibal Morales Aponte (EOW 1/13/2026). Agent Aponte was fatally struck by a vehicle that disregarded a red light while he was on motorcycle patrol. Agent Aponte was 53 years old and had served with the Puerto Rico Police Department for 29 years. He is survived by his daughters. Anibal, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten.
PAPD GWB Command Officers Apprehend Fleeing Suspect
On January 11, the PAPD George Washington Bridge Command received information from the Teaneck, New Jersey, Police Department regarding a vehicle that had fled after striking a Teaneck police officer. Port Authority Police Officers John Natiku and Christopher Gallardo observed the vehicle enter the lower level of the George Washington Bridge.
PAPD Officer Reunites Missing Woman With Family During Holidays
Recently, in late December, Police Officer Samuel Guzman, a three-year PAPD veteran, was on patrol at the World Trade Center when he observed a woman in the Oculus Transportation Hub who appeared disoriented. He approached her and, using his second language, engaged her in conversation, leading Officer Guzman to believe she was suffering from an altered mental state. As Officer Guzman gathered information, he requested EMS to evaluate the woman. He continued his investigation and learned through a data search that the woman was 56 years old and had been reported missing by her family in Jersey City.
In Remembrance: Texas Police Officer Elijah Garretson
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.