New York National Guard Soldier Died In Operation 'Spartan Shield'

CLARKSTOWN, NY — The Pentagon announced the death of a New York National Guard Soldier, and father of six, who was supporting Operation Spartan Shield.

Clarkstown native, Maj. Sorffly Davius, 46, died on March 6, in Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

Sorffly died as a result of "a non-combat related incident," according to the Pentagon. He was assigned to the Headquarters Battalion, 42nd Infantry Division, Troy.

The incident is under investigation, according to the Defense Department.

"On behalf of the residents of Rockland County, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fellow service members of Major Sorffly Davius," Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. said in a joint statement. "Major Davius dedicated his life to serving others — as a member of the U.S. Army National Guard, an NYPD officer, and previously as an FDNY paramedic. His commitment to protecting and helping others, both here at home and while serving our nation overseas, is a true testament to his character and courage."

The lawmakers ordered county facilities to honor his sacrifice.

"We are profoundly grateful for his service and sacrifice and are flying our flags at half staff in his honor as we keep his loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," the Rockland County leaders said.

Davius served as a data systems engineering officer in the division headquarters, responsible for computer and communications network security, according to the New York National Guard. He joined the Air Force in 2004 and transferred to the New York National Guard in 2013.

He is survived by his wife and six children.

In civilian life, Davius was a member of the New York Police Department, joining the force in 2014. Prior to his deployment, he had been on military leave from the department, and serving on state active duty as a member of the New York National Guard's Joint Task Force Empire Shield.

Joint Task Force Empire Shield is the New York National Guard's security force which works with law enforcement in New York City.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Major Davius at this most difficult time," Major General Ray Shields, the adjutant general of New York said. "The U.S. Army and the New York National Guard will do all we can to assist his family. Service to our State and Nation is the highest calling one can make. We pray for Major Davius, and all our service men and women here at home and across the world."

Davius has been awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Air Force Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Achievement Medal and the Humane Service to New York State Medal.

"It is with profound sadness, that we learned of the death of an American hero Major Sorffly Davius—a Clarkstown resident, dedicated NYPD officer, and U.S. Army National Guard Major who died while serving on active duty in Kuwait," Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann said in a statement. "I have ordered all town flags lowered to half-staff immediately and until the day of interment. The entire Clarkstown community mourns the profound loss of Major Davius and stands ready to support his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time."

New York's highest elected official also honored the ultimate sacrifice made by Davius.

"Today, our state mourns the loss of Major Sorffly Davius, who died on March 6 at Camp Buehring in Kuwait while serving his country," Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "Major Davius was the 'Citizen Soldier' in every sense. A dedicated NYPD officer and decorated Army veteran, he spent his career protecting others. Before his overseas deployment, he served with distinction on Joint Task Force Empire Shield, defending the state's most high profile locations from threats."

"His life is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by our National Guard members, who balance their roles as citizens, first responders, and soldiers. Major Davius was a devoted husband and father. I personally conveyed my deepest condolences to his wife and will keep his family, colleagues, and all who knew him in my thoughts. We continue to pray for the safety of every service member and first responder protecting us at home and abroad."