Rockville Centre mourns the death of off-duty cop

Michael E. Lerner, 39, an off-duty police officer with the Rockville Centre Police Department, was killed in a motorcycle accident early Monday morning in Eastport.

Southampton Town Police report that Lerner was driving a 2022 Harley Davidson motorcycle, heading west on Old Country Road in Eastport, when he lost control of his vehicle and drove off the road toward a heavily wooded area. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said that criminality was not suspected in the crash, and that the motorcycle in question has been impounded for a safety check.

Lerner served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, spending two tours of combat in Operation Iraqi freedom, where he earned several medals and awards, including his combat action ribbon.

In 2008, following his time in the service, Lerner went to work as an NYPD police officer. He spent a total of 13 years on the force, working in the 75th Precinct in Brooklyn and the 113th Precinct in Jamaica, Queens, and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant before joining the Rockville Centre Police Department in 2021.

“Officer Lerner served the Village of Rockville Centre with pride and distinction as a police officer since 2021,” Rockville Centre Police Commissioner Randy Dodd said in a statement. “Despite his brief tenure, Officer Lerner made a tremendous impact on both the RVCPD and the Rockville Centre community. His commitment and passion were evident in everything he did, leaving an everlasting mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Lerner is survived by his ex-wife, Theresa, three children and two stepchildren. To honor his memory, flags in the Village of Rockville Centre will be flown at half-mast.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Officer Lerner, who served our village with dedication and was an inspiration to his fellow officers," Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray said in a statement. "I offer my condolences to his family and loved ones, and the many friends and colleagues who benefited from his genuine goodness and wisdom.”