NYPD Officer and Army National Guard Major Sorffly Davius Dies in Kuwait
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed deep sorrow on Saturday over the passing of NYPD officer and U.S. Army National Guard Major Sorffly Davius. The dedicated public servant died in Kuwait after experiencing a medical episode while deployed in support of Operation Epic Fury.
A Career Defined by Service and Sacrifice
Major Davius, a 12-year veteran of the New York City Police Department, was assigned to Brooklyn’s 79th Precinct. He passed away on Friday at Camp Buehring, located in Kuwait’s northwest desert region, while serving with the 42nd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army National Guard.
In a joint statement with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Mayor Mamdani highlighted Davius' unwavering commitment to public service. "Officer Davius devoted his life to public service — rising to the rank of Major in the U.S. Army National Guard and joining the NYPD in 2014," the statement read. "His career was defined by service — to his country and to New York City."
The NYPD also honored his memory through a social media post, emphasizing that the department holds Davius' family in its thoughts and prayers, and vowing that his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Dual Roles in Law Enforcement and Military
Davius began his tenure with the NYPD in 2014, serving at the 79th Precinct in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Prior to his deployment to the Middle East, he contributed to Joint Task Force Empire Shield, a National Guard unit responsible for safeguarding high-profile targets across New York City.
Alongside his police duties, he advanced in the U.S. Army National Guard, achieving the rank of major within the 42nd Infantry Division. New York Governor Kathy Hochul praised him as a "true Citizen Soldier," noting his decorated military background and dedication to protecting others. Governor Hochul personally extended her condolences to his wife.
Authorities have not released specific details regarding the medical episode that led to his untimely death.
Death Amidst Escalating Middle East Conflict
Davius' death occurs during Operation Epic Fury, a U.S.-led military campaign initiated on February 28 in collaboration with Israel. The operation targets Iranian military and strategic infrastructure with the objectives of:
- Weakening Iran’s nuclear program
- Degrading the capabilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
- Conducting coordinated strikes on missile sites, command centers, and other strategic targets
Since the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran intensified last week, at least six U.S. service members have lost their lives in the region. The remains of these soldiers were repatriated to the United States on Saturday during a solemn transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, attended by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
This tragic event underscores the risks faced by military personnel engaged in international operations, while highlighting the profound loss felt by the New York City community and the nation at large.
