Detective Dennis Eric Guerra

Detective Dennis Eric Guerra

New York City Police Department, New York

End of Watch Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Add to My Heroes

Dennis Eric Guerra

Detective Dennis Guerra died from injuries he sustained after responding to a residential apartment building fire.

Detective Guerra and his partner responded to a fire on the 13th floor of a New York City Housing Authority building in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn. As Detective Guerra and his partner stepped off the elevator onto the 13th floor, they were immediately overcome by heavy smoke and carbon monoxide fumes. The officers radioed for assistance, and members of the New York City Fire Department responded and found both officers unconscious and unresponsive. Detective Guerra was resuscitated with CPR and transported to a local hospital. He was later transferred to a specialized hospital in the Bronx, where he died three days later from his injuries. Detective Guerra's partner was removed to a local hospital where she was in critical but stable condition. She survived with life-long respiratory injuries.

It was determined that the fire was intentionally set by a 16-year-old arsonist, who lit a mattress on fire in the hallway of the building. He was arrested by detectives and subsequently convicted of murder. In June 2016 the subject was sentenced to 19 years to life in prison with an additional two years for an unrelated robbery charge.

Officer Guerra had served with the New York City Police Department for eight years and was assigned to Police Service Area 1. He is survived by his wife and four children.

At his funeral, Officer Guerra was posthumously promoted to Detective by Police Commissioner William Bratton.

Bio

  • Age 38
  • Tour 8 years
  • Badge 5711

Incident Details

  • Cause Fire
  • Incident Date Sunday, April 6, 2014
  • Weapon Arson
  • Offender Convicted

fire, juvenile offender, structure fire

Most Recent Reflection

View all 218 Reflections

I would just like to take the time to thank each and every one of you who showed so much love and support to me. My life is not over, it's far from it. In fact, it is just the beginning of all that's new to come. The law enforcement community will always have a place in my heart and this just solidifies it all the more. May God bless you all. Officers, Deputies, and Agents.

Detective Eric Guerra
New York Police Department

September 14, 2022

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.