Community Helps Family Of Late NYPD Officer, Veteran Chris Tsoi

PATCHOGUE, NY—A community is reeling from the tragic loss of Patchogue native Christopher Tsoi. Tsoi was a nine-year veteran of the New York Police Department, and served multiple tours with the U.S. Marine Corps. The father of two young daughters also served for the Air Force Reserves.

Services for Tsoi will be held this Sunday and Monday, and those looking to contribute to his family or in his memory have several options.

A GoFundMe has been set up by Kristin Danielski. So far, over $23,000 has been raised.

"Please show your support for the wife and two young daughters of Chris Tsoi as they grieve the sudden and completely unexpected loss of their husband and father," she wrote on the fundraiser page.

"Chris leaves a gaping hole in the world that will miss his unique and unrivaled sense of humor. He was a friend to all and would give the shirt off his back to anyone who asked. The loss is unimaginable."

Tsoi was found dead in his car Monday at the Mastic Beach Marine in Mastic Beach, from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

Visiting hours will be on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. and on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Ruland Funeral Home in Patchogue. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers donations to Camp Good Grief and Mission 22 be made. Camp Good Grief is a bereavement camp in Westhampton for grieving children and teenagers, free based on donations.

Mission 22 is dedicated "to healing America’s veterans [with] treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury and all of the issues veterans are facing today."

Neighbors and classmates of Tsoi were dealing with the tragic news this week.

The Patchogue-Medford Class of 2001 recalled Tsoi's many good traits.

"Great guy, father, husband, police officer and military veteran USMC and USAF. Hopefully it will be a good turnout and tons of support for his wife, kids, and family," Christopher Nickel wrote on a Facebook group for alumni.

Tsoi's death is the fourth suicide in the NYPD this year. Advocates point out that more veterans die from suicide than in combat, and more police officers die by suicide than assault nationwide.

Members of law enforcement struggling with mental health issues can find resources at bluehelp.org. Anyone dealing with suicidal thoughts can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.