NYPD Sergeant, Father Of 2 Killed In Fiery LIE Crash In Brentwood

BRENTWOOD, NY — An off-duty NYPD sergeant and father of two was killed in a fiery two-vehicle crash on the Long Island Expressway in Brentwood early Wednesday morning, Suffolk County police and the NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association said.

Javier Ramirez, 38, an 11-year NYPD veteran assigned to the department's 5th Precinct, died after his Jeep overturned and was struck by another vehicle, according to police.

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Ramirez was driving a 2022 Jeep eastbound on the LIE near Exit 55 around 2:55 a.m. when the vehicle struck a guardrail on the right shoulder and overturned, Suffolk police said.

The overturned Jeep was then struck by a 2020 Subaru driven by Michael Dechiaro, 41, causing the Jeep to catch fire, police said.

Ramirez was taken to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, where he was pronounced dead, police said. Dechiaro was also taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

"The entire Sergeants Benevolent Association is heartbroken by the tragic death of Sergeant Javier Ramirez, who was involved in an off-duty car accident," said Sergeant Benevolent Association President Vincent Vallelong in a statement posted to the union's Facebook page. "Above all, Javier was a husband and father who leaves behind a loving wife and two young children. Our hearts are with them as they face an unimaginable loss. We also extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and everyone at the 5th Precinct. The SBA will stand beside Javier's wife and children in the difficult days ahead. They are part of our family, and they will not face this heartbreak alone."

A GoFundMe fundraiser organized by Joseph Aliberti and Juan Gonzalez has been established to support Ramirez's family. According to the fundraiser, Ramirez previously served in the NYPD's 79th Precinct before becoming a sergeant in the 5th Precinct.

The fundraiser had collected $52,510 from 372 donations toward a $90,000 goal as of Thursday afternoon. Those who wish to donate can do so here.

Organizers said the money will help Ramirez's wife and children cover funeral arrangements and other immediate and ongoing expenses.

Both vehicles were impounded for safety checks as Suffolk County Police Third Squad detectives continue to investigate the crash.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Third Squad detectives at 631-854-8352.