On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, starting at 5:33 pm., Assistant Chief Stephen Michael Pavetti responded to multiple calls for trees and wires down, with the last call at 8:03 p.m. After the calls were completed, Assistant Chief Pavetti and others from the department returned to the station, cleaned the apparatus, and put it back in service. They then had dinner together at the station. At approximately 3:30 p.m. the next day, Thursday, November 21, 2024, Assistant Chief Pavetti was found unresponsive at his home where he was pronounced deceased from a cardiac event.
On Thursday, November 21, 2024, Captain Henry Sardina, III was leading an in-station drill when he suffered an apparent heart attack. He went unresponsive, CPR was immediately performed, and he was revived. He was then transported to the hospital but suffered additional complications and cardiac emergencies in the days that followed. He passed away while still hospitalized on Sunday, November 24, 2024.
Police Officer Jesse Branch was killed in a vehicle crash while responding to a call for service around 5:00 am. His patrol car collided with another vehicle on State Highway 1 east of Red Lake. Officer Branch and the occupant of the other vehicle were both killed in the crash. Officer Branch had served with the Red Lake Nation Department of Public Safety for 17 years and was assigned to the Highway Safety Unit. He started his law enforcement career as a detention officer with the Red Lake Detention Center when he was 18 years old.
Detective Allan Reddins was shot and killed while responding to reports of an armed man leaving a bank in the 1000 block of Lake Street at about 9:30 am. He and other officers encountered the man two blocks away, in the 800 block of Lake Street, and instructed him to show his hands. The man produced a handgun and opened fire, striking Detective Reddins in the side. Other officers returned fire and wounded the subject before taking him into custody. Detective Reddins was transported to Loyola University Medical Center where he succumbed to his wound approximately 30 minutes later. The suspect, who had an extensive criminal record, was charged with attempted murder of a peace officer, possession of a stolen firearm, and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. Detective Reddins had served with the Oak Park Police Department for five years. He is survived by his son and mother.
The High Bridge Fire Department leadership and members regret to announce that 44 year life member Robert Bork was taken from us yesterday while performing the duties of crossing guard for the High Bridge Police Department. In Bobs lifetime he was a Soldier, Trooper, Husband, Father, Park Ranger, Scout Leader, and Firefighter. But knowing him there was some more titles I am missing. Bob your kindness and leadership will be missed, and your stories will live on at HBFD through the years as each generation will hear and pass them along. We ask that all of our supporters and community keep Bob and his family in your prayers. Today when gathered with family and friends, break out the best whiskey you got and toast the memory of Robert Bork, and be Thankful that people like him exist.
Deputy Sheriff Dan Diaz succumbed to injuries he received when he, Corporal Luis Paez, and Deputy Sheriff Waller were struck by a vehicle on Southern Boulevard near Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in Loxahatchee at 9:00 a.m. on November 21, 2024. One of the officers had completed a traffic stop when his patrol motorcycle would not start. The deputy called other officers for assistance. While Deputy Diaz, Deputy Waller, and Corporal Paez were waiting for another officer to help with the disabled motorcycle, a driver traveling east on Southern Boulevard switched lanes to pass a slower vehicle, overcompensated, and struck all three officers. The responding officer witnessed the collision. Deputy Waller and Corporal Paez were life-flighted to St. Mary's Hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. Deputy Diaz passed away four days later. The driver suffered minor injuries. Deputy Diaz had served with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office for over 20 years.
Police Officer Cooper Dawson succumbed to gunshot wounds he received while pursuing a subject who fled a traffic stop. At 7:40 p.m., Officer Dawson stopped a driver who had multiple felony warrants at the 3500 block of Pickett Street. The driver fled the car on foot, and Officer Dawson pursued the subject. As Officer Dawson ran behind 3517 Pickett Street, he was ambushed by the subject, who struck him multiple times in the leg and chest. He returned fire, wounding the subject. Officer Dawson was transported to a local hospital and then airlifted to Medical City Plano, where he passed away the following morning. The suspect was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Officer Dawson was a United States Army National Guard veteran and had served with the Greenville Police Department for over a year. He had previously served with the Garland Police Department for seven years. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Disclaimer:
This information is supplied by the Officer Down Memorial Page (www.odmp.org) and the U.S. Fire Administration (www.apps.usfa.fema.gov).
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