Joseph Koch - Off Duty Cop - A Good Samaritan in New York City

Officer Joseph Koch

Joseph Koch, age 29, an off duty New York City Police Officer, was shot in the hand on June 16, 2013, in Jamaica, Queens, New York.

He was attending a barbecue at the home of his fiancee, Linda Medina. At about 10 p.m.,  he heard a boy hollering:  "He's going to kill my mother."  Officer Koch ran down the street to help.

Christina Rodriguez, age 34, was being savagely beaten by a former boyfriend and former lodger, Jose Bernazard, age 40.  She was deeply cut in the head and her son, Jacob, age 11, had also been beaten. 

Christina Rodrigues and her
son, Jacob. 

When Officer Koch arrived on the scene, he struggled with Bernazard, over possession of the officer's gun. During the struggle, Officer Koch was shot in the hand.  Bernazard was also shot several times.  He will recover and has been charged with assault, criminal contempt, aggravated harassment, burglary, endangering the welfare of a child and resisting arrest.

Joseph Koch was seriously injured in the hand. He may require several surgeries.  The bones in his hand were seriously damaged. 

Joseph is a domestic violence officer at the 101st Precinct in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York. He has 7 years of service. 

He is the father of three daughters - 2 from a previous relationship and one with his fiancee, Linda. 

Michael, Archangel,
Patron Saint of the Police,
pray for our Officers.

Joseph is not a Saint.  But he is a Good Samaritan, who came to the aid of others while off-duty. 

We often don't want the Police messing in our lives - until the shit hits the fan.  And then we beg for their help.  Who else would we turn to?

Thank you for your service to the public, Joe. 

God bless the Police.  God help them perform their duties in safety. Amen.