An NYPD cop who died doing double duty as a soldier during the U.S. attack on Iran was remembered as a humble servant who would sacrifice anything for his family, community and country.
“He always put others before himself,” said Christian Davius, whose older brother, Sorffly Davius, suffered a fatal medical episode earlier this month while deployed abroad as part of the Operation Epic Fury attack on Iran.
“He was humble,” his brother said. “He didn’t speak much about his accomplishments or his service. He didn’t have anything to prove. To him, that wasn’t important. To be honest, the thought of me standing here, telling a crowd of people about how remarkable a person he was, would probably be pretty cringe-worthy to him. But alas, here we are.”
Where they were was a crowded Brooklyn church where hundreds of family, friends, cops and service members paid tribute to a soldier/cop who put everything ahead of himself.
Davius was deployed in Kuwait, where he died after suffering an undisclosed medical episode.
Michael Appleton / Mayoral Photography Office
Funeral services for NYPD Police Officer and U.S. Army National Guard Major Sorffly Davius, who died March 6, 2026, while serving with the 42nd Infantry Division at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn on Friday, March 26, 2026. (Michael Appleton / Mayoral Photography Office)
Flags across the state were flying at half-staff to honor the U.S. Army major who died March 6 while serving with the 42nd Infantry Division at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.
The Haitian-born family man who grew up in Queens is survived by his wife and six children.
“He didn’t come to this country to be served. He came to this country to serve. And that is what sets him apart,” said Gov. Hochul, who joined other elected officials at the funeral, held in Starrett City’s Christian Cultural Center.
“About 1% of our population raises their hand and serves, says, ‘I’ll serve in our military.’ He was part of that elite group of people.”
Michael Appleton / Mayoral Photography Office
Mayor Mamdani, Gov. Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James attend the funeral of Police Officer and U.S. Army National Guard Major Sorffly Daviuswho died March 6, 2026, while serving with the 42nd Infantry Division at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn on Friday, March 26, 2026. (Michael Appleton / Mayoral Photography Office)
“He set not only an example for his children, but also for his entire city,” said Mayor Mamdani.” In his life, it is a model for what so many should hope for, should pray for, should imagine in this city. It is a life of service. It is a life of protection. It is also a life of kindness and of love.”
Davius joined the New York Air National Guard in 2004 and served in Kuwait during the war in Afghanistan.
In 2013, Davius transferred to the New York Army National Guard and, in 2014, joined the NYPD.
NYPD
NYPD Police Officer and U.S. Army National Guard Major Sorffly Davius died on March 6, 2026, while serving with the 42nd Infantry Division at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. (NYPD)
“Whether he was responding to an emergency, supporting a mission or simply being present for his family, Sorffly approached every responsibility with the same seriousness and the same care,” said Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. “We honor a life defined not by a single moment, but by a sustained willingness to take responsibility, to be relied upon, and to do the work that others depend on.”
Michael Appleton / Mayoral Photography Office
Funeral services for NYPD Police Officer and U.S. Army National Guard Major Sorffly Davius, who died March 6, 2026, while serving with the 42nd Infantry Division at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn on Friday, March 26, 2026. (Michael Appleton / Mayoral Photography Office)