The NYPD cop who died on National Guard deployment in the Mideast was a highly decorated cyber security officer and married father of six, officials said Monday as his body was flown back to US soil.
The dignified transfer of the remains of tragic Army Maj. Sorffly Davius, 46, who suffered a fatal medical episode in Kuwait last week, took place at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware before dawn, with fellow soldiers carrying his casket with an American flag draped over it.
The fallen New York City native’s loved ones were present for the solemn moment after the non-combat death Friday, said Maj. Anthony Migliore outside the family’s home in Rockland County on Monday.
Davius leaves behind a wife and six children, according to the military. Officials said he was a Queens native. Records show he most recently lived in New City.
It’s unclear how Davius died, but law-enforcement sources told The Post on Monday he was found unresponsive in his room while at Camp Buehring with the 42nd Infantry Division of the Army National Guard.
An autopsy will determine the cause of death, and his body will then be flown back to New York, sources said.
Military officials said Davius was serving in support of Operation Spartan Shield, a mission to increase security in the region, and was deployed last summer.
His job was in data systems engineering at the division headquarters, where he helped with computer and communications network security, according to the New York National Guard.
The NYPD has said he served in support of Operation Epic Fury, which launched at the start of the month against Iran’s evil regime.
Davius had a long resume of courageous public service, including with the NYPD, where he joined a Brooklyn precinct in 2014 and previously working as an FDNY paramedic.
He was also part of the Joint Task Force Empire Shield, a National Guard unit that worked to deter possible terror activity in New York.
He was on leave from the NYPD to work on the task force before he was deployed to the Mideast, the military said.
Davius had served in the Air Force and was previously deployed to Kuwait between October 2010 and July 2011 in Operation Enduring Freedom, according to officials.
He transferred to the New York National Guard in 2013.
During his military career, he received 10 recognitions, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal.
He also was awarded the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Air Force Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Achievement Medal and the Humane Service to New York State Medal, the New York National Guard said.
This was his second deployment overseas, said Migliore, who worked with Davius in the 1st Battalion in the 258th Field Artillery in Queens where Davius was a communication officer.
“We all have vivid memories of him running around the Humvees, installing radios and helping us trouble-shoot,” he said.
Retired US Army Lt. Col. Michael Hoblin, whom Davius served under, said he was heartbroken when he found out about the sudden death.
Davius was “just a very cheerful guy,” said Hoblin in a phone interview.
“He was dedicated to his family without question,” Hoblin said.
“He was dedicated to his family and the community. It is so devastating to his family and friends and coworkers.
“I woke up this morning, and I realized it was him,” he said of the news of his late friend. “Just that realization, it was traumatic. He’s well-liked and well respected. He’s a good man. He’s one of the good ones, and his loss is definitely being felt today.”
Flags in Rockland County are being flown at half staff in Davius’ honor, said County Executive Ed Day and County Legislature Chair Jay Hood Jr.
“His commitment to protecting and helping others, both here at home and while serving our nation overseas, is a true testament to his character and courage,” they said in a statement.
Funeral arrangements still need to be finalized, Migliore said.
