Snowmobile crash kills New Jersey cop in Upstate New York, officials say

According to authorities, a snowmobiling accident in upstate New York on Saturday claimed the life of a 39-year-old Ridgefield Park police officer.

Just after 2:00 p.m., Steven Fernandez of Saddle Brook was riding west on Harrietstown trails when he fell down a steep incline, lost control of his snowmobile, and collided with trees, according to the NYS Police.

After being transported by air to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, Fernandez passed away from his wounds. Harrietstown is located in northern New York, roughly 15 miles west of Lake Placid.

State pension records show that Fernandez has been a police officer since 2015. His department did not immediately give his age.

Fernandez served as the agency’s LGBTQ+ department liaison and president of the Ridgefield Park police union, and he had been an officer in his hometown for almost ten years.

Fernandez was an Eagle Scout and a certified nurse. He also belonged to the Masonic Lodge and had been an EMT and volunteer firefighter in Ridgefield Park.

This may seem excessive to some, but according to a statement from Ridgefield Park police, this is who Steve was. He was as smart and clever as he was compassionate. He likely appeared reticent at times to many. But as you got to know him, you realized that he was the life of the party. He simply was a person you wanted to be around and lived life to the fullest. His enthusiasm was infectious.

According to the Ridgefield Park PBA, Fernandez was a source of love, humor, and steadfast support. We will miss Steve’s enthusiasm for his profession and his capacity to inspire people.

The amount of compassion and support we have received from everyone is incredible, Ridgefield Park police said, thanking the community and other departments for their condolences.

According to the department, Steve would prefer that we celebrate his life rather than lament his passing. We ask that you follow suit. One last thing. You never know when your time will come, so show your loved ones how much you care.

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Jeff Goldman

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You can contact Jeff Goldman at [email protected].