Denver, Colorado – West York Police Officer Andrew Duarte, tragically killed while responding to a shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York County, had notably served as a police officer in Denver, Colorado, where he made significant contributions to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Duarte, speaking in a virtual event in 2020, highlighted the impact of the pandemic on DUI enforcement, emphasizing the dangerous combination of reduced traffic enforcement and empty roads that allowed impaired drivers to operate without consequence. His dedication to DUI prevention and enforcement earned him MADD’s prestigious Hero Award in 2021, recognizing his commitment to saving lives through law enforcement efforts.
Rebecca Green, the executive director for MADD Colorado/Wyoming, commended Duarte for his unwavering belief in the power of law enforcement to protect and support communities. She noted that Duarte’s ultimate goal in life was to preserve lives, a sentiment tragically exemplified by his untimely death while trying to prevent further loss of life at the UPMC Memorial shooting.
During his tenure from 2017 to 2022 with the Colorado Police Department, Duarte processed numerous DUI cases, emphasizing the tangible benefits that each arrest brought to society. By removing impaired drivers from the streets, Duarte believed he was not only saving lives but also keeping families whole and reducing the statistics associated with DUI-related incidents.
Sadly, in the line of duty, Duarte became a victim of a different form of crime, a stark reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers in their daily efforts to protect and serve their communities. His legacy as a dedicated and compassionate officer, committed to ensuring the safety of others, continues to resonate within the law enforcement community and beyond.