Funeral held for Nassau police officer who died from COVID-19

According to the department, Hector Nunez contracted coronavirus after working three straight tours. He was bilingual and active in the police department’s Hispanic Society.

News 12 Staff

Dec 13, 2021, 11:10 AM

Updated 1,005 days ago

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Friends, family colleagues bid a final farewell to a Nassau County police officer who died from COVID-19.
Hector Nunez, a 16-year veteran from Centereach, spent his entire career working nights on patrol in the 5th Precinct in Valley Stream.
The 42-year-old father of four had been hospitalized with COVID-19 since Nov. 15. Nunez died last Wednesday.
According to the department, Nunez contracted coronavirus after working three straight tours. He was bilingual and active in the police department’s Hispanic Society.
“Everything you want in a police officer—the definition should just say Hector Nunez—just follow what Hector does and you’ll do fine as a cop,” says Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.
A fund has been set up to help cover the costs of the funeral and show support for the family. About $45,000 has been raised so far.
Officer Nunez was also posthumously promoted to detective first grade. His 6-year-old son accepted the gold shield in his father’s place.
His funeral was held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Lake Ronkonkoma.