#Suffolk County police lieutenant dies of COVID-19

A Suffolk County police lieutenant died of coronavirus on Wednesday — the department’s first active member to succumb to the illness, officials said.

Robert Van Zeyl, 60, tested positive for COVID-19 on Jan. 3 and was admitted to the hospital a week later, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.

Zeyl, who joined the department in 1985, leaves behind his ex-wife Christine Zubrinic, and his children Hailey and Tyler, both 14, the department said.

“It is truly heartbreaking to lose a member of our department, doubly so personally given the fact that I have known Bob for my entire career,” Suffolk County Police Chief of Department Stuart Cameron said in a statement.

“Thirty-six years ago, we were sworn in together and became Suffolk County Police officers; his entire adult life was dedicated to public safety. Our department grieves his loss along with his family.”

Zeyl has worked in the department’s Second Precinct since 2015. Before that, he served as the Fifth Precinct’s commanding officer of the Applicant Investigation Section and the Administrative Services Bureau, according to SCPD.

“The Suffolk County Police Department has not only lost a great police officer, but we’ve lost a great boss, and more importantly, a great friend,” said Sergeant Jack Smithers, who worked with Van Zeyl in the Second Precinct.

“He will be sorely missed by all.”