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Ft. Greene cop dead in Afghanistan

By Emily Lavin
for The Brooklyn Paper

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A New York City cop who lived mere feet away from the war memorial in Fort Greene Park died on July 4 in Afghanistan in a “non-hostile incident,” according to Department of Defense.

Daniel Farkas, 42, died at Camp Phoenix in Kabul. His Independence Day death is under investigation.

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A member of the New York National Guard, Farkas was a 20-year veteran of the NYPD and had most recently been stationed at the 112th Precinct in Queens.

Neighbors on quiet Washington Park, the street where Farkas lived with his family in the shadow of the Martyrs Memorial in Fort Greene Park, were saddened by the news of his death.

“He was just so friendly and polite, and always took a minute to smile and say ‘Hello’ whenever our paths crossed,” said neighbor Jane Durning. “This is such a small block that everyone looks out for each other. It’s incredibly sad news.”

The family’s next-door neighbor, who did not want to give his name, recalled how focused Farkas was on helping people — as a citizen, cop and soldier.

“Daniel felt like he could make a difference in other people’s lives,” the neighbor said. “He was so proud to serve in Queens, and even knowing the dangers, he went [to Afghanistan]. The family is devastated — it’s like they’ve lost their hero.”

Farkas joins a list of more than 530 Americans who have died in the war in Afghanstan. Another 4,100 soldiers have died in the additional war in Iraq.

©2008 The Brooklyn Paper

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