Suffolk Police Lieutenant Dies Of The Coronavirus At 60

HUNTINGTON, NY — Robert Van Zeyl, an active lieutenant of the Suffolk County Police Department Second Precinct, died of COVID-19 on Wednesday, the department announced. He was 60 years old.

Van Zeyl, who was the first active member of the department to die of COVID-19, will be honored with a line of duty funeral. The arrangements are pending. Police did not release Van Zeyl's hometown.

"It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of an exceptional member of our law enforcement family, Lieutenant Robert Van Zeyl," Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said via news release. "Lt. Van Zeyl’s more than three decades of exemplary service are a testament to his commitment to public service, and even in the midst of a global pandemic, he was on the frontlines every day helping residents in need. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Van Zeyl family during this difficult time."

Van Zeyl is survived by his ex-wife Christine Zubrinic; daughter Hailey; and son Tyler, who are both 14.

He tested positive for COVID-19 on Jan. 3 and was hospitalized a week later.

"COVID-19 has impacted law enforcement agencies throughout the country and it is with deep sadness that the Suffolk County Police Department has lost its first member of service who contracted coronavirus earlier this month," Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said. "Lt. Van Zeyl served Suffolk County residents with distinction for nearly 36 years and his legacy will continue with the members of this department. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family."

Van Zeyl joined the Suffolk County Police Department in February 1985 and served in the Fifth Precinct upon graduation from the academy. He was promoted to sergeant in 1994 and then lieutenant in 2003. He served as the commanding officer of the Applicant Investigation Section and the Administrative Services Bureau before transferring to the Second Precinct in 2015 where he worked until his death.

"It is truly heartbreaking to lose a member of our department, doubly so personally given the fact that I have known Bob for my entire career," Suffolk County Police Chief of Department Stuart Cameron said. "Thirty-six years ago, we were sworn in together and became Suffolk County police officers; his entire adult life was dedicated to public safety. Bob’s passing exemplifies the multifaceted dangers that members of our department face every day to keep the residents of our county safe. Our department grieves his loss along with his family."

During his long career, Van Zeyl received more than a dozen recognitions for his contributions to the police department, including two Cop of the Month honors and the Excellent Police Duty Award for amassing 12 or more self-initiated DWI-related arrests in a single year.

"Bob was a wonderful person, a dedicated member of our department, and a pleasure to know both personally and professionally," Second Precinct Commanding Officer Inspector William Scrima said. "He was a person who genuinely enjoyed his work and was liked by people of all ranks who knew him and worked with him. He will be truly missed by this department and by the Second Precinct in particular."

Sergeant Jack Smithers, who worked with Van Zeyl in the second precinct, said the lieutenant will be sorely missed by all.

"The Suffolk County Police Department has not only lost a great police officer, but we’ve lost a great boss, and more importantly, a great friend," Smithers said.