A veteran off-duty NYPD detective hanged himself at his mother’s home in Queens, Monday afternoon, police said. Police found Det. Paul Federico, 53, about 12:30 p.m. on 59th St. in Middle Village. His suicide is the first of the year involving an active-duty NYPD officer. Last year the department grappled with 10 suicides, prompting leadership to step up its outreach for cops in distress.
Federico, who joined the NYPD in 1990, worked in the Central Park Precinct for more than 20 years, and then joined the police commissioner’s liaison office when James O’Neill became commissioner, sources. He had recently been placed on modified duty, meaning he was stripped of his shield and gun, though it wasn’t immediately clear why, sources said. Once source said he was in a funk recently. He was very dedicated to the department and to the job. He will be sorely missed. Detectives’ Endowment Association President Paul DiGiacomo said Monday. Federico was instrumental in helping NYPD Auxiliary Officer Michael Dorian get benefits from the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund after Dorian learned he had stage 4 skin cancer.
Dorian, a volunteer at the time who rushed to Ground Zero, couldn’t prove he was south of Canal Street, until Federico, bonded with Dorian after he joined the NYPD auxiliary. Federico was also diagnosed with Sept. 11-related cancer, and returned to work after having a kidney removed, sources said. He lived in Long Island, but stayed with his mother on weekends, according to neighbors. He seemed so happy. We never suspected anything like this, next-door neighbor, who didn’t give his name.
Police shut down the block as they investigated Monday. A half-dozen people gathered in front of his mother’s house, embracing and crying. The detective did not leave behind a note, sources.
