PENFIELD, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Rochester Police Department mourns the loss of a 22-year veteran of the department after he was killed in a one-car crash Saturday night.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office says Officer Manuel "Manny" Ortiz, 52, crashed into a ravine in the area of 1385 Empire Boulevard in Penfield Saturday around 7 p.m. He was the only occupant of the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.
MCSO mourns @RochesterNYPD Officer, Manuel “Manny” Ortiz, a 22 year veteran of the force who died in a one-vehicle MVA this evening at 7:01 pm on Empire Blvd., Penfield. Officer Ortiz was 52 years old. Our hearts are with Officer Ortiz family and our @RochesterNYPD family. pic.twitter.com/okeMibTtsC
— Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (@monroesheriffny) November 3, 2019
Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren released this statement on her Facebook page:
"The passing of Officer Manuel ‘Manny’ Ortiz is a tragedy and a great loss for our City. Officer Ortiz was not only devoted to his career of service, but to his wife and children as well.
Emerson wrote that ‘The purpose of life .... is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. It is not the length of life, but the depth that matters.’ There is no doubt that Manny Ortiz lived well, and served honorably and with compassion during his 22 years as an Officer in the Rochester Police Department.
My sincere condolences go out to his wife and family, as well as, his brothers and sisters in uniform. I ask that all of Rochester join me in praying for the Ortiz family and all those that loved Officer Ortiz.”
RPD Chief La'Ron Singletary released the statement below on Twitter:
Manny served the @CityRochesterNY for 22 years with the highest level of professionalism. Manny served with dignity. Manny was about helping others. Manny cared about the community. Manny loved his family. Manny you will be missed. May you rest in heaven. @RochesterNYPD https://t.co/xOEShU2iIh
— La'Ron D. Singletary (@LaRonSingletary) November 3, 2019
The sheriff's office says Ortiz was on his way to work when the crash occurred.
The crash continues to be investigated at this time and the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office will perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Peer support and assistance is being offered to first responders.
