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Congratulations to Port Authority Police Officer Chee Ying Yong, recipient of the Port Authority PBA’s 2025 Cop of the Year Award. Police Officer Yong was introduced by PBA President Frank Conti as the recipient at the annual Port Authority PBA Cop of the Year dinner on Friday, February 6. The PBA recognized Yong for her heroic actions on October 2, 2025.

Rest in peace, Lee County, Mississippi, Deputy Sheriff Rick Haggard (EOW 2/3/2026).Deputy Haggard was a Lee County school resource officer assigned to Shannon Elementary School. At the end of the school day, while directing traffic in front of the school, he was fatally struck by a vehicle as he protected the students. He was 52 years old and had served 20 years in law enforcement. Rick, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten.

Rest in peace, Trooper and Paramedic Hunter Bennett and Pilot Robert Skankey of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Aviation Bureau (EOW 2/4/2026). DPS helicopter crew members Bennett and Skankey were killed in a crash as they were responding to an active shooter incident. Hunter and Robert, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten.

Rest in peace, Gwinnett County, Georgia, Police Officer Pradeep Tamang (EOW 2/1/2026). Police Officer Tamang and his partner were dispatched to a local hotel for a forgery and fraud complaint. While interviewing the suspect, the suspect produced a handgun and shot both officers. Officer Tamang was killed and his partner critically wounded. One of the officers returned fire, wounding the 35-year-old assailant. It is reported that the suspect has multiple felony convictions and active warrants. Police Officer Tamang was 25 years old and had served with the Gwinnett County Police Department for eight months. He was engaged to be married. Pradeep, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten.

Rest in peace, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, Deputy Sheriff Christopher Ohlmeyer (EOW 1/30/2026). Deputy Ohlmeyer, a motorcycle officer, was assigned to a funeral escort when he was struck and killed by a vehicle while stopping traffic. Deputy Ohlmeyer was 41 years old and had served with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office for 15 years. He is survived by his wife and two children. Christopher, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten.

The members of the Port Authority PBA are saddened by the loss of Nassau County Police Officer Patricia Espinosa (EOW 1/31/2026).

Police Officer Espinosa was killed by an alleged drunk driver early Saturday morning while on her way to report for duty. She had served the people of Nassau County with dedication and courage since 2017 and previously served as a New York State correctional officer for four years. Officer Espinosa was 42 years old and is survived by her husband and 2-year-old daughter.