The City of New Rochelle Tuesday released a glowing portrait of the Critical Unit Police Officer involved in the first fatal shooting by a cop in New Rochelle in 20 years.
On May 26, Samuel Cruz, a suspect described as emotionally disturbed, was shot by Police Officer Steven Geertgens after two attempted taserings had no effect.
A City spokeswoman says “Officer Geertgens joined the force in 2001 and has served with the CIU team since 2008. He has received (3) Class C Citations, (9) Commendation Awards, a Life Saving Award and Two and Four Year Perfect Attendance awards. His training includes numerous Tactical Seminars, including Emergency Psych Technician Course (40) hours, and NRPD- Emotionally Disturbed Person Tactics course (8) hours. Officer Geertgens has a clean record with no prior shooting incidents.”
Geertens remains on sick leave while the Westchester DA conducts an investigation.
48 hours of training on dealing with the mentally ill, and he breaks the door down, and shoots Sam Cruz. Where did he train? With the SEALS?