A New York City police officer has died while deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. operation ongoing in the Middle East, according to city and state officials.
Major Sorffly Davius died Friday at Camp Buehring in Kuwait, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement.
She described Davius as a “true Citizen Soldier,” a devoted husband, and father.
Davius had served in the 42nd Infantry Division in the U.S. Army National Guard and rose to the rank of Major, the NYPD said in a statement shared on social media.
He began his service with the NYPD in 2014, assigned to the 79th Precinct.
“Today, and always, we keep his family in our thoughts and prayers,” the department said. “May we never forget Officer Davius’ sacrifice and may his memory be a blessing.”
Davius was a decorated Army veteran, who prior to his overseas deployment served with distinction on Joint Task Force Empire Shield, a New York National Guard security unit that defends the state’s most high profile locations from threats, according to Hochul.
“His life is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by our National Guard members, who balance their roles as citizens, first responders, and soldiers,” the governor said.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch in a statement Saturday paid tribute to him.
“His career was defined by service — to his country and to New York City,” they said.
NBC News has reached out to the National Guard and U.S. Central Command for comment.
Seven U.S. service members have died since the U.S. and Israel began strikes in Iran, which has been met with retaliatory strikes upon U.S. bases in the Middle East.
Six American soldiers died in Kuwait in the military operation. A seventh U.S. service member died Saturday evening, succumbing to injuries sustained during a March 1 attack on U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia, U.S. Central Command said Sunday.
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