Thousands expected at police officer’s wake in Merrick

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Before joining ESU, which is based on Newbridge Road in North Bellmore, Lopez was a patrolman with the 1st Precinct, which is based in Baldwin.

Luparello said that the Empire Hose Company house will be shut down over the next two days, and the unit will operate out of the Friendship Engine and Hose Company on Babylon Turnpike. “Merrick will not be interrupted,” Luparello said. “We’ll be able to take care of all fire and emergency services in Merrick.” Empire’s trucks are now parked in the lot at the Friendship Company house, he added.

New York City police apprehended Lopez’s alleged assailant near St. Alban’s, Queens, late Tuesday evening when a city police officer responded to a 911 call for shots fired. Fuller was found in a stolen van, suffering from what police said were self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

Lopez had been on patrol with his partner on Northern Boulevard near the Nassau-Queens border on Tuesday morning when he spotted Fuller driving a silver Honda that was “running on [its] rims.” Fuller got off the Cross Island Parkway and headed west on Jamaica Avenue. After pulling Fuller over, Lopez approached the car and spoke briefly with the suspect.

According to officials, Fuller then got out of the Honda and shot Lopez in the chest. He was not wearing a bullet-resistant vest, as required by police department policy. Lopez’s partner rushed to his side and tried to revive him but could not.

Fuller took off in the Honda, using it to force Facey off the Cross Island before shooting him in the head, leaving his body on the roadside and driving off, police said.

Lopez had served eight years with the Nassau County Police Department. He was pronounced dead at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Hospital.

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