Decorated Cop Dies of a Brain Aneurysm on Job

Decorated Cop Dies of a Brain  Aneurysm on Job

By REUVEN BLAU

FRANCIS HENNESSY A decorated Police Officer who was responding to a call of an armed robber in Brooklyn Jan. 11 suddenly collapsed on the street and died several hours later of what was determined to be a ruptured brain aneurysm.

Officer Francis Hennessy, 35, was sitting on his NYPD scooter in Flatbush when he heard the emergency call over his radio. He joined two other officers responding to the scene at Flatbush Ave. and Farragut Rd.

Upon arrival, the officers were told by another cop that the call was unfounded. Mr. Hennessy then exited from the back seat of the patrol car and took several steps before he collapsed. One of the officers performed CPR before he was rushed to Kings County Hospital. He was later transferred to Downstate Medical Center, where he died.

Leaves 2 Children

Mr. Hennessy, who joined the NYPD in December 1997, became the first city cop to die in the line of duty this year. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, ages 2 and 5.

"Our prayers are with the family of Police Officer Francis Hennessy, who demonstrated his devotion to duty to the very end," Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said.

Funeral services were held Jan. 14 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Brooklyn.