Village Reels From 'Unimaginable Loss': Officer Killed In Crash

PORT CHESTER, NY — A close-knit police department is mourning the loss of a fellow officer who was killed in an off-duty motorcycle crash over the holiday weekend.

"In Officer Bernal's one year with the Police Department, he touched everyone with his smile, his zest for life, and his unparalleled enthusiasm for serving as a police officer," Port Chester Police Chief Christopher Rosabella said. "His tragic death deeply affects members of the Port Chester Police Department and the entire community. Our thoughts, prayers, and unwavering support remain with the Bernal family."

The New York State Police said that on Sunday, shortly before 2 p.m., troopers from the state police barracks in Monroe responded to northbound Route 9W, in the Orange County town of Highlands, after reports of a serious motor vehicle accident.

Bernal was riding a 2004 Honda motorcycle when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway, which caused him to exit the roadway and hit an occupied 2023 GMC Acadia, which was parked in a scenic pull-off, according to NYSP troopers.

He was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital by Town of Highlands EMS, who attempted to perform live- saving measures. However, Bernal later died from his injuries.

"Today, the Department suffered an unimaginable loss," the Port Chester Police Department said announcing the death, just hours after the crash. "P.O. Christopher Bernal, 23 years old and a 1 year veteran, passed away from injuries he suffered in an off-Duty motorcycle accident, in Orange County. We as a Department are heartbroken on this tragic news. P.O. Bernal was an all around happy-go-lucky kid, whose smile was from ear to ear, he truly loved his job and fellow members of the Department."

Officials said that officers are getting an outpouring of support from both within and outside the department.

"Please keep his family and the members of the Department in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult heartbreaking time," the PCPD said. "P.O. Bernal will be missed, this one is a tough one. In times like this it is comforting to know support is a phone call away. We wish to thank Rye PD, West Chester County PD, West Chester Blue Foundation, our Department Chaplin, Qwalvy Grainsvolt who all on a minute's notice stepped up to provide support to our officers. We would be remiss if we didn't thank NYSP Troop F for their cooperation during this difficult time. May Chris rest in peace."

Port Chester Mayor Luis Marino said that starting Monday, all flags in the Village of Port Chester are to be flown at half-staff in honor of Officer Bernal.

"Officer Bernal was not only a member of our police department, but a well-respected member of our community," Marino said. "His dedication and compassion for the people of Port Chester will be his legacy."

Village Manager Stuart Rabin said that the loss will be felt throughout the entire community.

"Officer Bernal was a rising star in our police department, whose promising career was tragically cut short," Rabin said. "His professionalism and dedication to keeping our village safe were just two of the many qualities Christopher exemplified every day for the benefit of our community."