NYPD deputy chief shoots himself fatally a month before his mandatory retirement
A high-ranking NYPD officer fatally shot himself in the head while sitting in an unmarked patrol car on Wednesday. The tragic incident reportedly took place only a few weeks before his scheduled mandatory retirement, sources told New York Post.
Steven Silks, who was the deputy chief of Queens North, was found shot in a parking lot which was only a few blocks away from his office at the 112th Precinct Station house at about 6:30 pm, according to law enforcement sources.
The 62-year-old was taken to Elmhurst Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
“It’s terrible he would find himself in that place,” a Queens detective said at the scene. “Say a prayer for his family.” Another police official told The Post that Silks “absolutely lived for the NYPD.” The officer added, "He loved what he did. He was admired and loved by everybody. It’s heartbreaking."
Silks reportedly handed in his paperwork at an NYPD union office on Tuesday, June 4, and his last day was scheduled to be July 9. As per the rules of the NYPD, the mandatory retirement age is set at 63.
President of the Detectives’ Endowment Association Michael Palladino said he was “shocked and saddened” to hear about the death of Silks.
“He had such enthusiasm for the job and for life itself which makes this difficult to understand,” Palladino said in a statement. “He was one of the nicest human beings I ever met.”