Queens police commander dies by suicide: reports

AP Photo/Mary Altaffer

By David Brand

A Central Queens precinct commander died Monday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head while sitting inside a patrol car near Kissena Park, officials said.

Deputy Inspector Denis Mullaney, 44, led the 107th Precinct, which patrols parts of Flushing, Fresh Meadows, Pomonok, Hillcrest and Jamaica. He recently joined the precinct after more than 20 years on the force.

“The NYPD mourns as we’ve lost a fellow cop to death by suicide. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends,” Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said Tuesday in a tweet that included resources for people contemplating suicide. “You are never alone, help is always available to you.”

Mullaney was reportedly parked at Booth Memorial Avenue and 164th Street, on the south side of Kissena Park. Videos shared on the Citizen app showed a large number of police officers converging on the area, with a helicopter hovering above the scene. The officer was reportedly taken to New York-Presbyterian Queens, where he was pronounced dead.

He is the latest officer to die by suicide in recent years, a series of tragedies that former Police Commissioner James O’Neill called a “crisis,” in 2019. The 10 officer suicides that year doubled the annual average, O’Neill said.

“It is a mental health crisis in the NYPD,” he told CBS2.

Local elected officials shared their condolences and urged officers to seek support.

“Our deepest condolences go to the family, friends & colleagues of @NYPDnews Deputy Inspector Denis Mullaney,” tweeted Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. “His dedication will never be forgotten. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.”

Community members will hold a candlelight vigil for Mullaney on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in front of the 107th Precinct at 71-01 Parsons Blvd.