PAPBA News

A 48-year-old Pennsylvania man was reported to have assaulted two flight attendants and attempted to breach the cockpit on a United Airlines plane that arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 2. The crew of United Airlines Flight 1837, which originated in the Dominican Republic, declared an emergency, with the pilot stating, “United 1837, we are declaring an emergency. It seems like someone just attacked one of our flight attendants,” according to audio from ATC.com. Port Authority Police Officers Luis Santa Cruz, Matthew Armamento and Tan Nguyen met and boarded the aircraft, taking custody of the man after he violently resisted arrest. Read More

On May 2, the Port Authority Police Department Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums Band joined those from the NYPD and FDNY to help Tunnel to Towers send off its Steel Across America Tour at the World Trade Center. A special Tunnel to Towers truck, displaying a 16,000-pound steel beam from the 9/11 World Trade Center — donated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey — began its 10,500-mile journey across 21 states, with stops planned in 35 cities. The mission of the T2T Steel Across America Tour during this 25th anniversary year of September 11, 2001, is to remind and educate people about the heroism and sacrifices of 9/11 first responders. The T2T Steel Across America Tour will be on the road through September 2026. Read More

Rest in peace, Crittenden County, Kentucky, Sheriff’s Deputy Richard “Rick” Coyle (EOW April 30, 2026). Deputy Coyle succumbed to gunshot wounds he sustained on April 2 while serving emergency guardian papers. He and other officers were met with gunfire as they approached the residence. Deputy Coyle was 58 years old and had served with the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office for two years. He previously served with the Chicago Police Department for 28 years, where he was a member of the Special Operations Division SWAT Team. It is reported that he participated in approximately 2,000 SWAT missions. He is survived by his wife, sister and nieces. Rick, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten. Read More

On Friday, April 24, an obstructed license plate led to the arrest of a 26-year-old man, who was charged with multiple felonies at JFK International Airport. PAPD police officers observed the vehicle and conducted a motor vehicle stop. An initial investigation revealed the vehicle’s license plate was suspended. As officers continued their investigation, they discovered a false vehicle identification number (VIN) plate affixed over the authentic VIN plate. A computer check of the authentic VIN showed the vehicle had been reported stolen in 2023. In addition to possessing stolen property, the suspect was found in possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia. The police officers involved were Devin Nieves, Sean Welsh, Sevastianos Papasevastos and Frederick Kirk. Read More

The Port Authority PBA always honors and remembers Port Authority Police Captain John M. Collins (EOW April 26, 2024). Captain Collins 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. Captain, continue your peaceful rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten. Read More

Rest in peace, Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew (EOW April 25, 2026). Officer Bartholomew was shot and killed by a robbery suspect he and his partner had transported to a hospital for evaluation. His partner was also shot and seriously wounded. Officer Bartholomew was 38 years old and had served with the Chicago Police Department for 10 years. His partner is a 57-year-old, 21-year veteran of the department. John, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Always Honored, Never Forgotten. Read More