A New York Police Department officer and distinguished Army veteran has passed away due to a medical incident while on duty in Kuwait with the National Guard as part of Operation Epic Fury.

Sorffly Davius, who held the rank of major in the US Army National Guard, experienced a fatal health emergency at Camp Buehring, situated in Kuwait’s northwest desert. He was serving with the 42nd Infantry Division, according to an announcement made by the NYPD on Saturday night.

“Today, our city mourns the loss of Police Officer Sorffly Davius, who passed away on Friday following a medical episode while deployed in Kuwait with the 42nd Infantry Division of the US Army National Guard,” stated Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch in a joint message.

“Officer Davius dedicated his life to public service, achieving the rank of Major in the US Army National Guard and joining the NYPD in 2014, where he served at the 79th Precinct. His career was marked by his unwavering commitment to both his country and New York City,” they said.

The officials extended their heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family, wishing that his legacy serves as a blessing.

Davius, a committed husband and father, began his career with the NYPD in 2014 at Brooklyn’s 79th Precinct in Bed-Stuy. Prior to his deployment to the Middle East, he was part of the Joint Task Force Empire Shield, a National Guard unit tasked with protecting New York’s key sites from potential threats.

“Major Davius was the ‘Citizen Soldier’ in every sense,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. 

“A dedicated NYPD officer and decorated Army veteran, he spent his career protecting others. His life is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by our National Guard members, who balance their roles as citizens, first responders, and soldiers.

“I personally conveyed my deepest condolences to his wife and will keep his family, colleagues, and all who knew him in my thoughts. We continue to pray for the safety of every service member and first responder protecting us at home and abroad.”

Officials did not disclose the nature of the medical episode he suffered. 

Six Army Reserve soldiers were killed when an Iranian drone struck a US facility in Kuwait. 

The troops were stationed at a tactical operations center at Port Shuaiba, south of Kuwait City – one of several US military positions set up to protect American allies as Iran escalates retaliatory attacks following US-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran. 

The six soldiers were returned home during a solemn transfer ceremony Saturday.