Dennis Guerra - Law Enforcement - New York City

Dennis Guerra

Officer Dennis Guerra, age 38, died in the line of duty on April 9, 2014, at a hospital in New York City.

Dennis was a member of the New York City Police Department - Housing Bureau. He had over 7 years of service.

On April 6, 2014, at about 12:30 p.m., Officer Guerra and others responded to reports of a mattress fire in the 13th floor hallway of a Housing Authority apartment building in Brooklyn, New York.

Officer Guerra and another officer went to the 13th floor by elevator. They were hit by a wall of smoke. On radio transmissions, they were heard gasping for air. Minutes later they were found unconscious and were rushed to a hospital. Officer Guerra never regained consciousness and tragically passed away.

Thirteen others were also injured in the blaze, including three firefighters.

Marcell Dockery

Marcell Dockery, age 16, has been arrested in connection with this arson. He confessed to starting the fire because he was bored. He will be charged with arson and may be charged with murder. He was also charged with robbery and grand larceny charges after a 60-year-old tenant of the building recognized him as the thug who menaced her on March 7 with a razor blade. He was previously arrested for starting a fire at school when he was 13.  He has a Facebook page dedicated to fires and is a self-admitted "firebug". 

Michael, Archangel, Patron
Saint of the Police, pray
for Dennis

The New York City Police Department is in mourning over the death of their brother.

City officials stated that Officer Guerra was a good man and a brave officer who will be missed.

His family is devastated by his sudden and tragic death. He will be forever mourned.

Dennis is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members, including his mother, Miriam Guerra; his wife, Cathy; and his four children - Kathleen, Jonathan, Alyssa and Zachary.

Thank you for your service to the public, Dennis.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and gone the next.

God save us from the Lost Ones, the freaks and the firebugs who bring death to strangers.

Pray that Dennis is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.