White Plains community gathers to remember dedicated public servant, rising star in law enforcement
The 33-year-old officer, described by colleagues as a rising star in the department, was off duty at the time of his death.
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White Plains police officers stood in solemn formation this week to honor Officer Pasquale “PJ” Barile, who passed away suddenly from a medical emergency on Aug. 11. The 33-year-old officer, described by colleagues as a rising star in the department, was off duty at the time of his death.
“We are going to miss PJ a lot,” said White Plains Public Safety Commissioner David Chong.
Chong was in attendance at Barile's wake on Thursday. His fellow officers held a police lineup, where they walked two-by-two to salute Barile one last time.
Chong recalled Barile’s lifelong dream of serving in law enforcement.
“All he ever wanted to do, talking to both his father and mother, was to be a White Plains police officer,” he said.
The commissioner said Barile had been with the department for more than five years, where he earned a reputation for dedication and positivity.
“The city of White Plains and Westchester County lost a great public servant,” Chong added. “It was someone who always wanted to serve the public, always wanted to put on that police uniform, always had a smile on his face.”
At the service, family member Ryan Capozzo-O’Rourke expressed gratitude on behalf of Barile’s loved ones.
“We are especially grateful to the White Plains police department and the PBA for their unwavering support throughout this tragedy. Their presence and dedication meant so much to PJ,” Capozzo-O’Rourke said.
Another family member, Teddy Capozzo-O’Rourke, described Barile as “the strength of our family,” adding, “PJ was a wonderful person; he reminded us of what was most important and reminded us to slow down and enjoy the world around us.”
The family has asked for privacy as they continue to grieve. They're also asking in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org or Tunnel to Towers at t2t.org.
Services and a procession for Officer Barile will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at McMahon Funeral Home in White Plains.
