Steve Fernandez Obituary
The Ridgefield Park Police Department is mourning the tragic loss of one of its members, Officer Steven Fernandez, who lost his life in a snowmobile accident in Vermont over the weekend. His family took to Facebook late Saturday night for the sad announcement.
A son of Ridgefield Park, Fernandez devoted his life to public service. He began as a volunteer with the village fire department and local ambulance corps before joining the police force in 2015. This year, Fernandez became the first openly gay man in the department and was selected for the LGBTQ+ liaison position for 2023.
I hope that, as the first openly gay male police officer in the department, I can help bridge that gap and strengthen our relationship with the law enforcement agency and the LGBTQ+ community. “I feel very fortunate to work for a department where my colleagues and administration have been nothing but supportive of me.”
The loss of Fearnec resounds far beyond the brotherhood of law enforcement. In his former profession as a registered nurse, he tended to needs at Hackensack Meridian University Medical Center before he took his place in police ranks. Colleagues and friends will no doubt remember all too well this man who embodied kindness, support, and endless dedication to others.
His post is honored by the Ridgefield Park Police Benevolent Association: “Steve’s passion for his work and his ability to lift those around him will be deeply missed.”
That news has left many in shock and brought an outpouring of heartfelt condolences and memories on social media.
“You were always gentlemanly and I hardly ever saw you without a smile on your face,” said one former co-worker. “I’m glad you had the chance to live your dream out by becoming a police officer. You did truly look very happy over these last few years.”
A friend posted the following: “One of the most true sonsabitches out there. Not the news anybody wants to wake up to… ever. Rest easy, bro.”
Mike Alberque spoke to how much a part of the community Fernandez was: “Steve always represented Ridgefield Park in such a positive way. He was an Eagle Scout and lived the Scout Law, Oath and Motto every day. He cared deeply about others and was a great role model.”.
Fernandex worked in numerous fields, from being in the police force to working with Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Vanguard Healthcare as an EMT earlier in his life. He studied at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ, and Indiana University Bloomington. Fernandez was so proud to be an alumnus of Ridgefield Park High School and stayed very close to home throughout his life.
Funeral arrangements are still pending as the community comes to terms with this devastating loss, but his legacy of service, kindness, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
