Buffalo Police Officer Patty Parete Dies; A Heroic Cop Who Was Also A Brave Lesbian

safdg

Help Us Report The News Coming- Please Support Outcome Buffalo

Donations are not tax-deductible.

Photo provided by Buffalo Police Department

Buffalo Police Officer Patty Parete Dies; A Heroic Cop Who Was Also A Brave Lesbian

Buffalo — Patricia Parete, the police officer who was shot and paralyzed while on duty in December 2006, has died, according to the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association.

Parete is considered one of the first openly gay or lesbian police officers in the nation to have been shot and injured while on duty.

"It is with great regret and sadness that the Buffalo Police Department and PBA announces the death of Police Officer Patty Parete.

Patty and her partner, Carl Andolina, were injured when an armed assailant shot them during a violent encounter on Dec. 5, 2006, in B District," the PBA website said. "Patty had a long, arduous and brave challenge from a spinal injury as a result of her injuries."

Varner Harris Jr. was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for shooting Parete and Andolina.

The Buffalo lgbt community along with her law enforcement community rallied around Parete as she worked at rehabilitation both in Buffalo and in a specialized facility in New Jersey.

Several successful fundraisers were held to assist in Parete's recovery.

"Buffalo Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda said "We woke up this morning to very sad news. Patricia Parete was a brave and courageous officer. We have suffered a tremendous loss, not only this department, but our city and community as well".

Mayor Byron W. Brown said "My first reaction upon hearing hearing the news of Officer Parete's passing was just total sadness. My thoughts, prayers and wishes are with her and her family at this time".

Officer Parete and her partner, Officer Carl E. Andolina were shot after responding to a fight call at a mini-mart in downtown Buffalo in December of 2006.

Parete was 48 years old.

Hundreds of local law enforcement officials will descend on downtown Wednesday when Parete is laid to rest.

The funeral service is set for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Episcopal Church on Delaware Avenue in downtown Buffalo.

Parete was a loving friend of Polly Strait; daughter of Anthony J. Sr. (Tammy) and the late Dorothea A. (Nagel) Parete; sister of Anthony Jr. (Joyce), Maria, Jonanthony, Angelina Parete; niece of Jean (late Roger) Nagel; cousin of Jason and Chuck (Kristina) Nagel.

Family and friends are invited to attend Funeral Services at Trinity Episcopal Church, 371 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, Wednesday morning at 11.. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Hospice Buffalo, Inc. Arrangements by CASTIGLIA FUNERAL HOME, INC. Please share your condolences at www.cfhecc.com —Staff

comments powered by Disqus

Outcome on Facebook