By Police1 Staff
UNION CITY, N.J. — A 24-year veteran of the Union City Police Department died suddenly Monday night.
According to NJ.com, Officer Ricardo Fernandez, 48, died of “medical complications” at his home.
“He was a kind, gentle and classy man,” the department wrote on Facebook. “He treated everyone the same way, with kindness, empathy and respect.”
Fernandez spent the majority of his career with the department’s motorcycle unit on the night shift. Last year, Fernandez was switched to the day shift in order to spend more time with his family, the publication reported.
“Whether it was in the rain, the cold, at night, Ricky really had a passion for riding his motorcycle,” Police Chief Richard Molinari said. “He was one of the heart and souls of the motorcycle unit.”
He leaves behind his wife and two children.