It is with greatest of sadness that the Brewster Police Department announces the line of duty death of one of our very own, Sergeant Richard Gurniak.
Sgt. Gurniak collapsed after hanging up his keys during the early morning hours of Saturday April 20, 2024 and despite tireless efforts by a fellow Brewster Officer as well as two members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Gurniak passed away.
Richard was a retired member of the NYPD who joined the Brewster force two years ago.
As bunting was placed at the Police Station, Chief John Del Gardo described the day as “one of the saddest in our history. This is the first line of duty death since the Department was formed in 2006.”
To those that know Sgt. Gurniak, he was known as a great supervisor who was loved and respected by the men and woman of this Department.
Sergeant Jim Phillips, who serves as our PBA President states that “the entire force is devastated by Richard’s sudden death. We are a small tight-nit department and feel the pain that Sgt. Gurniak’s family is going through. Rich was a good man who will be missed”,
Mayor James Schoenig recalled hiring Richard stating, “he had a stellar career in New York City which carried over to Brewster. Richard was respected by the entire Department. Sgt. Gurniak died doing what he loved doing – protecting residents of our community”.
Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. We honor his bravery, sacrifice and service to our community.
The Village of Brewster PBA and the entire Department wish to thank the PCSO Sergeant Joseph Sadowski and Deputy Richard Planamenta who worked tirelessly to save our Sergeants life; your efforts will not be forgotten. The Department would also want to acknowledge the fast and professional response of Brewster EMS as they performed admirably.