NYPD Sergeant, Former Lacey Resident, Found Dead

STATEN ISLAND, NJ — An off-duty New York police sergeant and former Lacey resident died by suicide inside his home Saturday, according to the NYPD. Terrance McAvoy, 30, was loved by all he met, according to his obituary.

McAvoy was born and raised on Staten Island before moving to Lacey. He was an accomplished athlete in football, wrestling and powerlifting. McAvoy was an avid sports fan who loved the Oakland Raiders.

He graduated from St. John's University in 2011 with a degree in criminal justice before joining the police force. McAvoy was promoted to sergeant in June 2018 and assigned to the NYPD's transit unit, according to the New York Daily News.

A local by the Facebook name Vi Nny called McAvoy "a walking patrol guide" in a Staten Island Facebook group.

"He was an inexorable beacon of knowledge and professionalism," Vi Nny said. "He was more than just a cop, however; a deeply spiritual and intellectual person, Terrance was a once-in-a-lifetime friend. Anyone who knew him will tell you he was the happiest person they knew."

A moderator for the NYPD swim team's Facebook page said McAvoy "was always smiling and joking around, (and) he was also a well respected cop and boss."

McAvoy is survived by his mother and father, Marialice and Keith McAvoy; his brother, Ryan McAvoy; sister, Kerry McAvoy; sister-in-law, Naomi McAvoy, and nephew, Declan McAvoy.

Vistitation is set for 7-9 p.m. Wednesday and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday at the Harmon Funeral Home (571 Forest Ave., Staten Island). A funeral will take place at 10 a.m. Aug. 2 at Blesses Sacrament Church (Forest Avenue, Staten Island).

Seven members of the NYPD have died by suicide this year. More than 100 officers in the United States have taken their own lives in 2019, according to CNN.

"The tragic news today that another member of the NYPD has been lost to suicide breaks our hearts, and is a deep sorrow felt by all of New York City," NYPD Commissioner James P. O'Neill said in a statement.

"To every member of the NYPD, please know this: it is okay to feel vulnerable. It is okay if you are facing struggles. And it is okay to seek help from others. You may not know this, and it may be hard to imagine, but you are not out there all by yourself."

"Tonight, all of Staten Island is grieving with the family and loved ones of Sgt Terrance McAvoy and the entire @NYPDnews family," tweeted Staten Island District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. "Another tragedy has claimed a member of the Finest far too soon."

Four NYPD officers died by suicide in June, prompting O'Neill to declare a mental health crisis.

Seventy-eight percent of police around the county reported experiencing critical stress on the job, with 68 percent saying that stress created unresolved emotional issues, according to an NBC New York survey. Additionally, 16 percent of surveyed officers said they had thoughts of suicide.

NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan released a video on Twitter in June in which he called conversations about mental health "imperative."

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free, 24/7 and confidential support for people in distress. You can call 1-800-273-8255.

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