Officer Down

Not a good start to the year....

Special Agent John Capano
United States Department of Justice - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
End of Watch: Saturday, December 31, 2011
Tour: 23 years
Badge # 2820

Special Agent John Capano was shot and killed while struggling with a robbery suspect outside of a pharmacy on Merrick Road in Seaford, Nassau County, New York.

Agent Capano was off duty and in the shopping center's parking lot at about 2:00 pm when the suspect entered the pharmacy and robbed it of OxyContin and cash. Several patrons were able to exit the store during the robbery and then pointed out the suspect as he exited. Agent Capano immediately confronted the suspect and a struggle as Agent Capano attempted to disarm the man.

A retired Nassau County police officer and an off-duty New York City police officer who were in a deli next door were also alerted. Both came out of the deli and discovered the men struggling. One of the officers fired at them, killing the suspect. Agent Capano was also fatally wounded during the shooting.

Agent Capano had served with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for 23 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Sergeant Abimael Castro-Berrocales
Puerto Rico Police Department
End of Watch: Sunday, January 1, 2012
Age: 40
Tour: 20 years
Badge # 8-18871

Sergeant Abimael Castro-Berrocales was shot and killed after stopping a speeding vehicle on PR-100 in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, at approximately 9:30 am.

As he reached the driver's side of the stopped vehicle he was immediately shot twice in the face and critically wounded. A responding unit observed the suspect flee the scene but stopped to render aid to Sergeant Castro-Berrocales. He was transported to Río Piedras Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds.

The suspect(s) involved with Sergeant Castro-Berrocales' murder remain at large.

Sergeant Castro-Berrocales had served with the Puerto Rico Police Department for 20 years. He is survived by his wife and three sons.

Park Ranger Margaret Anderson
National Park Service
End of Watch: Sunday, January 1, 2012
Age: 34
Tour: 4 years

Park Ranger Margaret Anderson was shot and killed while executing a felony stop near the Longmire Ranger Station in Mount Rainier National Park at approximately 10:30 am.



Another officer attempted to stop the suspect near the Paradise Ranger Station, but the suspect fled before being stopped again by Ranger Anderson, who had set up a road block. The suspect stepped out of his vehicle and opened fire, fatally striking Ranger Anderson.

After being shot, Ranger Anderson radioed for help as the suspect fled on foot. Officers attempting to reach Ranger Anderson were held at bay for approximately three hours as the suspect continued to fire on them.

The suspect's vehicle was recovered with additional weapons and body armor inside.

Ranger Anderson had served with the National Park Service for four years. She is survived by her husband and two young children. Her husband also serves as a park ranger in the park and was on duty at the time.

Rest in Peace …We’ll Continue The Watch

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.

Officer Down, Officer Safety, Police, Police Training