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Commissioner Kevin Catalina told Greater Long Island the department is expanding its Wellness Unit
Suffolk’s top cop said the department is stepping up support for its members after losing a detective and a police officer in the span of a week.
“The tragic losses of Detective Alexandra DeLeonardo Infante and Officer Christopher Durham have deeply affected the Suffolk County Police Department and the entire law enforcement community,” Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said Wednesday in a statement shared with Greater Long Island.
Catalina said the department’s executive team has been working closely with the police unions, the department’s mental health team and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine’s Office “to enhance our ability to reach out to and support members in need.”
The commissioner announced a Suffolk Police executive was recently assigned to lead the department’s Wellness Unit to “further strengthen these efforts and expand the services available to our members.”
“Policing is an incredibly difficult profession, and sadly, the cumulative effects of facing the daily pressures of law enforcement can have a devastating effect on the personal and professional lives of any man or woman in uniform,” Catalina said.
“Police officers dedicate their careers to answering the call when others are facing their most difficult moments,” he added. “It is important to remember that behind the badge and uniform are human beings with emotions, navigating their own lives while continuing to fulfill their mission of protecting our community.”
Catalina said his thoughts and prayers are with all members of the department, and with the families and friends of DeLeonardo Infante and Durham.
Det. Alexandra ‘Ali’ DeLeonardo Infante
DeLeonardo Infante, a nine-year Suffolk Police veteran from Ronkonkoma, died suddenly Oct. 12. She was 38.
A Dowling College graduate, she was remembered by Suffolk County Detectives Association President George Michels as “a true guardian, protector and a beautiful soul.”
Her wake and police service were held on Sunday at Moloney’s Lake Funeral Home in Ronkonkoma. Her funeral Mass was the next morning at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ronkonkoma.
Officer Christopher Durham
Durham, who lived in Commack, died at home on Monday, the same day that DeLeonardo Infante was laid to rest.
A former NYPD cop who started his law enforcement career working in Harlem, Durham later joined Suffolk Police. He played football at Hicksville High School and was briefly a wide receiver at SUNY Buffalo State. He earned an associate degree at Nassau Community College and worked as a UPS driver before becoming a cop.
“My beautiful boy, you forever will be on my mind and soul,” his mother, Maria Samaritano-Durham, wrote on Facebook. “You left us way too soon.”
His fiancée, Carolyn Infantas, started a GoFundMe on Tuesday to help Durham’s family cover funeral and burial costs. It has raised more than $38,000.
Visitation for Durham is Thursday, 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., at Massapequa Funeral Home’s North Chapel, located at 1050 Park Blvd. in Massapequa Park.
A funeral Mass is set for 11:15 a.m. on Friday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, located at 2 Bayview Ave. in Massapequa.
‘You are not alone’
The Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association has also urged members who are struggling to reach out.
“You are not alone. We are here for each other. We can help,” the union wrote on Facebook. It directed members to its peer support team, delegates and trustees, and to suffolkpba.org/PEER.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Lifeline, available 24/7.
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Top photo: Suffolk Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina (SCPD video still); top inset, Det. Ali Leonardo Infante (Facebook); and bottom inset, Police Officer Chris Durham (courtesy of GoFundMe).
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