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Slain Officer’s Final Wish Revealed As Funeral Plans Announced After Hospital Shooting

West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte will be laid to rest this week after he was killed in the line of duty during a mass shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York County on Saturday, Feb, 22. His family, fellow officers, and an outpouring of community support are ensuring his legacy of service and sacrifice is never forgotten.

Jillian Pikora
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Funeral Service Details

Duarte’s funeral will take place on Friday, Feb. 28, at 1:00 p.m. at Living Word Community Church, 2530 Cape Horn Road, Red Lion, PA.

Due to high attendance expectations, seating arrangements are as follows:

  • Seating inside the church will be reserved for family, sworn law enforcement, dignitaries, and special guests beginning at 9:00 a.m.
  • Civilians and non-sworn first responders are encouraged to watch the service via livestream on the church’s website: https://lwccyork.com/.
  • Preferential seating will be given to York County Police Officers, Denver, CO Police Officers, Ocean City, MD Police Officers, and their families.
  • Officers participating in the police procession should report to Olewiler & Hefner Funeral Home, 35 Gotham Place, Red Lion, PA between 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
  • Officers not in the procession should arrive at the church between 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. for a ceremonial viewing and final salute.

His Final Wish: Support A Cause He Believed In

Duarte was passionate about keeping roads safe from impaired drivers, and in his final wishes, he requested donations be made to organizations fighting against drunk driving instead of sending flowers.

Donations in his honor can be made to:

  • 🔴 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Denver, CO Chapter - 1355 S. Colorado Blvd. C602, Denver, CO 80222
  • 🔵 PA DUI Association - 2413 N. Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17110

Please note “Duarte” or “York, PA” in your donation.

How To Help His Family

A memorial fund has been established for Duarte’s family, and donations are being accepted through multiple channels:

West York Borough1381 W. Poplar St. West York, PA 17404 C/O Officer Duarte Memorial Fund
  • Businesses or organizations interested in hosting fundraisers can contact West York Borough Manager Shawn Mauck at 717-542-7591 or shawn.mauck@westyorkpa.gov.

Local Businesses Rally For Duarte’s Family

Several local businesses have stepped forward to raise money for the fallen officer’s family:

  • 🍻 Holy Hound Taproom (York) – Hosting a fundraiser on Monday, Feb. 24, and Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Net proceeds from three draft beers will go to the Duarte family.
  • 🍽️ Moonlight Cafe (Dover) – Donating 20% of all sales from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
  • 🌮 Taqueria El Camino – Donating 20% of sales from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
  • 🍿 The Popcorn Loft (York) – Fundraiser from Feb. 24 through June 1, with 20% of all sales benefiting the Duarte family.

A Hero Remembered

Duarte, who had served with West York Borough Police since 2022, had just celebrated his 30th birthday on Feb. 17, days before he was fatally shot.

According to the York County Coroner, Duarte was shot in the chest by gunman Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz at UPMC Memorial’s ICU. He was rushed to WellSpan York Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:19 p.m.. His death was ruled homicide due to ballistic injuries of the torso.

A Community In Mourning

"Our West York Borough family is suffering a painful loss today," borough officials said. "Our hearts break at the innocent loss of life. We grieve the loss of a hero."

Residents who wish to pay their respects are invited to lay flowers at 1381 W. Poplar Street, West York Borough.

Duarte gave his life in the line of duty protecting others—and now, his community is making sure his legacy and family are honored in return.

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