Suffolk County police officer dies unexpectedly

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - Fadi Rafeh, a 38-year-old police officer for the Suffolk County Police Department, died unexpectedly on Jan. 20, the department announced Tuesday.

The married father of two was described as a "very bright, hard-working individual," according to Fifth Precinct Lieutenant Joseph Terry. “He worked well with his peers and everybody respected him.”

It was not clear what caused the death of the Longwood High School graduate.

Rafeh patrolled Patchogue and Bellport, and worked an investigator in the Crime Section as of October 2017.

“It is never easy to lose a member of the department. Officer Rafeh’s death is especially difficult because he had so much to offer to the men and women he served with and was making a difference in the lives of Suffolk County residents,” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said. “Officer Rafeh will be remembered for his dedication to the SCPD. Our thoughts are with his wife, two boys and his family and friends.”