NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – A New Jersey police officer was killed after a snowmobile accident in Harrietstown, officials confirmed on Monday.
On Feb. 1, at around 2 p.m., New York State Police responded to the Rail Trails near McMaster Road and McCauley Pond for a 'serious personal injury' snowmobile accident, according to police.
An investigation determined that Steven J. Fernandez, 39, of Saddlebrook, was riding a 2024 Polaris 650 westbound on the trails when he lost control, veered off the path, and descended a steep embankment, colliding with multiple trees.
When troopers arrived at the scene, Saranac Lake Fire and Rescue were already providing aid to Fernandez, an officer with the Ridgefield Park Police Department.
He was then airlifted to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he later died due to his injuries, police said.
"Steve was a great cop and an even better person," the Ridgefield Park Police Department wrote in a social media post. "His strong ties to our small community where he grew up are unmatched."
Besides being a police officer, Fernandez also volunteered with the Ridgefield Park Fire Department and Ridgefield Park Ambulance Corp. He was also the current PBA president, LGBTQ+ department liaison, a registered nurse, Eagle Scout, and member of the Masonic Lodge, according to the statement.
"He lived his life to the fullest and was just a person you wanted to surround yourself with. His energy was contagious."
