Forest Hills cop dies in Afghanistan

BY TONIA N. CIMINO

Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:48 AM EDT

As the nation celebrated Independence Day, yet another soldier laid down his life for his country.

First Lieutenant Daniel Farkas, 42, died on July 4 of injuries suffered from a non-hostile incident at Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan.

He is the third to die in only two weeks: Sergeant Andrew Seabrooks, of South Ozone Park, and Sergeant First Class Joseph A. McKay, of Cambria Heights, perished on June 21 and 26, respectively.

Farkas, who lived in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, was a 20-year veteran of the New York Police Department (NYPD). He served as Lieutenant in the 112th Precinct in Forest Hills.

NYPD officials declined to comment.

In his honor, Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on state government buildings across New York be flown at half-staff on July 11.

Farkas joined the New York Army National Guard in August 1992. Prior to deploying to Afghanistan in late March, he was assigned to Battery B, 1st Battalion 258th Field Artillery, which is based in the Bronx.

Farkas’ awards for service include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal.

He was awarded the New York State Defense of Liberty Medal for his service in Manhattan following the attacks on the World Trade Center, and also holds the New York State Physical Fitness Ribbon and New York State Aid to Civil Authorities Medal.

He has been awarded Army Commendation Medal and the New York State Medal for Merit posthumously.

Farkas is survived by his mother, who declined to speak to the media.

“All members of the New York National Guard regret the death of this officer,” said Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General and commander of the New York National Guard. “The National Guard will do everything it can to aid Lieutenant Farkas' family in their hour of need.”