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Editor, Asbury Park Sun,

It is with the heaviest of hearts, I am announcing the untimely passing of Detective April Bird. We are in deep mourning over the loss of our Sister in Blue. 

On Friday, Aug 2, Det Bird was on-duty and assisting with the investigation into a recent shooting that occurred in the city when she experienced a medical episode requiring her to be transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Detective Bird remained in the hospital until her passing Monday morning. 

Anytime we lose a fellow police officer it is emotionally draining on all of the men and women in blue. 

My sincere condolences go out to April’s family, friends, brothers, and sisters in blue and all the members of the Asbury Park Police Department. April will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched.

Memorial services will be held Monday, Aug 12, 2019, at the Paramount Theatre, located at 1300 Ocean Ave. Visitation will be from 9 am to noon, with services beginning at noon.

In an Aug 5 social media post, department officials said:

We are heartbroken by the untimely passing of Detective April Bird on August 5, 2019. We offer our deepest condolences to the Asbury Park Police Department and to Detective Bird’s family.

Detective Bird was a member of the APPD for 21 years and was also a past President of PBA Local #6. She was born and raised in Asbury Park and was a proud member of the community. She specialized in juvenile crimes and worked very diligently through the schools and other programs to help the City’s youth.

“Our hearts are heavy today. Detective Bird was an exemplary officer of the Asbury Park Police Department,” said Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn, “She had a generous spirit and served her community with passion and understanding. She will be greatly missed.”

Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time as we mourn the loss of our friend and colleague.

Sergeant Michael Casey #220

Asbury Park Police Department

[Letters to the editor represent the opinion of its writer and is not representative of any opinion of the Asbury Park Sun staff. All readers are welcome to submit Letters to the Editor to news@asburyparksun.com for our consideration. For guidelines on letter-writing and submission, click here].

[Photo courtesy of the Asbury Park Police Department]

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