Port Chester police officer killed in off-duty motorcycle crash

An off-duty Port Chester police officer was killed in a motorcycle crash in the town of Highlands in Orange County on Sunday afternoon, state police said Monday.

Christopher Bernal, 23, was riding a 2004 Honda motorcycle on Route 9W North when police say he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway, causing him to strike a parked, occupied 2023 GMC Acadia. Bernal was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital in Cornwall, where he died. A passenger of the Acadia was also taken to St. Luke’s with non life-threatening injuries.

According to a Facebook post by Port Chester police, Bernal had been part of Port Chester police force for one year, joining in 2023.

“We as a department are heartbroken on this tragic news,” the statement read. “P.O. Bernal was an all around happy-go-lucky kid whose smile was from ear to ear. He truly loved his job and fellow members of the department.

“Please keep his family and the members of the department in your thoughts and prayers during this heartbreaking time. … May Chris rest in peace.”

Port Chester Police Chief Christopher Rosabella said of Bernal in a news release, “'In Officer Bernal’s one year with the Police Department, he touched everyone with his smile, his zest for life, and his unparalleled enthusiasm for serving as a police officer. His tragic death deeply affects members of the Port Chester Police Department and the entire community. Our thoughts, prayers, and unwavering support remain with the Bernal family.”

A state police investigation is ongoing.

Port Chester police is scheduled to hold a procession Tuesday at noon from the Orange County Medical Examiner's Office in Goshen to Craft Memorial Home in Port Chester.

Visitation at Craft Memorial Home will be from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 12 from and the funeral will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church in the Parish of Saint John Bosco at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 13.