A Long Island community is grieving the loss of a retired NYPD officer who died after collapsing while helping others during last weekend’s powerful winter storm.
Roger McGovern, 60, a retired NYPD sergeant, suffered a fatal medical emergency while preparing to shovel snow outside Our Lady of Victory Church in Floral Park on Sunday, according to local reports.
McGovern, who was an usher and a member of the Knights of Columbus at the church, had walked nearly a mile through frigid conditions to clear walkways so parishioners could safely attend Sunday Mass.
According to his friend Kevin Troy, McGovern had spoken with the priest and volunteered to shovel the sidewalks before services began. Moments later, before he could start the work, he collapsed. He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive. Reports indicated he suffered a heart attack.
McGovern’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes recognizing his lifelong commitment to public service. The Sergeants Benevolent Association honored him in a social media post, noting that even in retirement, his dedication to helping others never faded.
“After a career spent in service to this city, Sergeant McGovern passed away while helping his community during the recent snowstorm,” the organization wrote. “His dedication to others did not end with his retirement.”
McGovern retired from the NYPD in 2008, the department confirmed.
His passing comes amid a deadly winter storm that blanketed parts of the Northeast with heavy snow and bitter cold.
New York City officials reported at least eight storm-related deaths locally, with snowfall totals ranging from 8 to 15 inches in some areas. Nationwide, at least 36 deaths across 14 states have been linked to the severe weather system.
Church officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
