Robert-Vanzeyl
(Yaphank, NY/77WABC)-The Suffolk County Police Department has lost its first active-duty member due to Covid-19.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said Lt. Robert Van Zeyl will be honored with a line of duty funeral. Arrangements are pending.
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of an exceptional member of our law enforcement family, Lieutenant Robert Van
Zeyl,” Bellone said. “Lt. Van Zeyl’s more than three decades of exemplary service are a testament to his commitment to public service,
and even in the midst of a global pandemic, he was on the frontlines every day helping residents in need. Our thoughts and prayers
are with the entire Van Zeyl family during this difficult time.”
Van Zeyl tested positive for COVID-19 on January 3rd. He was hospitalized a week later.
Van Zeyl joined the Suffolk County Police Department in February 1985 and served in the Fifth Precinct upon graduation from the academy. Van Zeyl was promoted to Sergeant in
1994 and then Lieutenant in 2003. He served as the Commanding Officer of the Applicant Investigation Section and the Administrative Services Bureau before transferring to the
Second Precinct in 2015 where he worked until his death.
“Bob was a wonderful person, a dedicated member of our department, and a pleasure to know both personally and professionally,” Second Precinct Commanding Officer Inspector
William Scrima said. “He was a person who genuinely enjoyed his work and was liked by people of all ranks who knew him and worked with him. He will be truly missed by this
department and by the Second Precinct in particular.”
Van Zeyl, 60, is survived by his ex-wife Christine Zubrinic and two children. A daughter, Hailey, and son, Tyler, both 14.
