by Floral Park, NY – A Long Island community is mourning the loss of a retired NYPD sergeant who died after suffering a heart attack while shoveling snow during last weekend’s powerful winter storm. Friends and fellow parishioners say he collapsed while clearing walkways so others could safely attend church services.
Incident Overview
Roger McGovern, 60, a retired New York Police Department sergeant, collapsed on Sunday while shoveling snow outside Our Lady of Victory Church in Floral Park, according to reports. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
Timeline of Events
Friends said McGovern walked roughly one mile through bitter cold temperatures to reach the church before Sunday Mass. He had spoken with a priest and volunteered to clear the sidewalks so parishioners could safely enter the building.
Shortly after arriving and before beginning the work, McGovern collapsed outside the church. A longtime friend, Kevin Troy, said McGovern suffered a medical emergency and was rushed to the hospital.
“They said that he was at church and he had a seizure and by the time he got to the hospital, he passed,” Troy told ABC 7, which first reported details of the incident.
CBS 2 later reported that McGovern suffered a heart attack while shoveling during the storm.
Community Service and Legacy
McGovern was a familiar and respected presence at Our Lady of Victory Church, where he served as an usher and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Friends said his decision to shovel was consistent with a lifetime of service.
“He had spoken to the priest and said that he was going to go out and shovel the sidewalk for the parishioners so they could get in,” Troy said. “And before he started shoveling he had collapsed.”
The Sergeants Benevolent Association paid tribute to McGovern in a public statement, highlighting his continued dedication to helping others even after retirement.
“After a career spent in service to this city, Sergeant McGovern passed away while helping his community during the recent snowstorm. His dedication to others did not end with his retirement.”
Career With the NYPD
The NYPD confirmed that McGovern retired in 2008 after a lengthy career with the department. Former colleagues described him as deeply committed to public service, both during his time in uniform and afterward.
Our Lady of Victory Church did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Winter Storm Context and Safety Concerns
McGovern’s death occurred amid a severe winter storm that brought 8 to 15 inches of snow to parts of New York and dangerously cold temperatures. City officials reported eight storm-related deaths across New York City tied to the extreme cold and conditions.
Nationwide, the same storm system has been blamed for at least 36 deaths across 14 states, underscoring the dangers posed by winter weather, particularly to older adults and those engaging in strenuous outdoor activity.
Medical experts have long warned that snow shoveling can significantly increase heart strain, especially in freezing temperatures. Sudden exertion in the cold can elevate blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the risk of cardiac events.
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