Governor Kathy Hochul directed on March 26 that flags on all State government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of U.S. Army National Guard Major and New York Police Department Officer Sorffly Davius, who died March 6 while serving with the 42nd Infantry Division at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The order states that flags will be lowered from sunrise to sunset on Friday, March 27.
The directive recognizes Major Davius’s service as both a military officer and police officer. This observance aims to pay tribute to his dedication and the broader sacrifices made by members of the National Guard who balance their roles as citizens, first responders, and soldiers.
“Major Davius was the ‘Citizen Soldier’ in every sense. A dedicated NYPD officer and decorated Army veteran, he spent his career protecting others,” Hochul said. “His life is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by our National Guard members, who balance their roles as citizens, first responders and soldiers. I send my deepest condolences to Major Davius’ wife and will keep his family, colleagues and all who knew him in my thoughts.”
Major Davius joined the New York Air National Guard in 2004 and previously deployed to Kuwait from October 2010 to July 2011 for Operation Enduring Freedom. He transferred to the New York Army National Guard in 2013 before joining the NYPD in civilian life in 2014.
Before his most recent deployment overseas, Major Davius had been on military leave from the police department while serving with Joint Task Force Empire Shield—the New York National Guard’s security force working alongside law enforcement agencies to protect critical infrastructure such as major transit hubs throughout New York City.
He is survived by his wife and six children.