NYPD Sgt. Who Never Took Sick Day In 42 Years Dies Of Heart Attack Weeks Before Retiring

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A New York Police Department sergeant who never took a sick day in his 42 year career has died with just weeks to go until his retirement.

Sgt. Francis "Buddy'' Murnane was weeks away from his 63rd birthday when he died Sunday after an apparent heart attack at his home.

Murnane was the NYPD's longest-serving active officer. He was honored at a City Hall ceremony in 2010.

"NYPD lost a lot, there is no replacement for Buddy," retired NYPD officer Edna Lugo told WCBS 880's Peter Haskell. "He literally dediated his life to the NYPD."

"I don't think he wanted to let the job go because it was his life," his cousin Richard said.

As a supervising sergeant in the NYPD's Major Case Squad, Murnane helped to close thousands of cases -- from kidnappings to hijackings, to bank robberies and large commercial burglaries, the Staten Island Advance reported.

Murnane also served as the commander of a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), police homicide unit that covered Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens, according to the Advance.

Murnane's wake is being held Wednesday at the Colonial Funeral Home, followed by a funeral Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Wounded Warriors or the NYPD Widow and Orphan Fund would be greatly appreciated.

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• Peter Haskell
• New York City Police Department