'The strength of our family': Final goodbye for White Plains police officer
Known affectionately as PJ, the 33-year-old from West Harrison passed away suddenly on Aug. 11 due to a medical emergency, he was off duty at the time.
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Family, friends and fellow police officers said their final farewell to White Plains police officer Pasquale Barile on Friday.
Known affectionately as PJ, the 33-year-old from West Harrison passed away suddenly on Aug. 11 due to a medical emergency, he was off duty at the time.
A 6-year veteran of the White Plains department, Officer Barile was recently assigned to the White Plains Neighborhood Initiatives Unit which involves developing a better relationship between communities and law enforcement.
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Family members said it was a perfect fit because it was not only PJ's dream to become a police officer, but he truly took the motto of "serve and protect" to heart.
They said he loved having a career in which he had the ability to protect as well as help people.
"PJ was a wonderful person; he was the strength of our family. He reminded us of what was most important and reminded us to slow down and enjoy the world around us,” family member Teddy Capozzo-O'Rourke told News 12.
Officer Barile leaves behind his maternal grandmother Carmela Testa; his father Biagio Barile; his mother Gerardina Testa; and his sister Gabriella Barile.
A mass service was held at McMahon, Lyon & Hartnett Funeral Home in White Plains. He was buried at Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale.
