Holly MatkinNanuet, NY – New York Police Department (NYPD) Officer Daphina Salomon died on Feb. 8 after a two-year battle against pancreatic cancer.
The 51-year-old officer spoke about her illness on a fundraising page established to help her with medical expenses.
Officer Salomon said she was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in February of 2021, and that the cancer had already metastasized by that time.
“Within weeks my health [began] to deteriorate,” she wrote. “With clinical trial treatments and lots of support and prayer, I was able to fight through it. Unfortunately, the treatment is no longer working.”
Officer Salomon said she was hopeful some alternative treatments could be helpful.
“This is a very challenging and scary time for my family and I. Last week my team of doctors looked at me said I have new areas developing. They sent me home with pain killers and said I’m sorry. I could barely walk,” she wrote last October.
“I was in my feelings for a bit, You sometimes need that because it’s devastating news,” the longtime officer continued. “Once I got out of my feelings I stopped worrying because my faith is real, God will find a way and he has other plans for me… My support system is strong… so much love from everyone thank you all…”
The NYPD Ceremonial Unit said in a tweet Officer Salomon succumbed to pancreatic cancer on Feb. 8 “after a courageous battle.”
“Police Officer Salomon’s family was presented with our Department Flag in her honor,” the unit’s post read. “May she rest in eternal peace.”
Officer Salomon served the NYPD for 21 years, the New York City Police Benevolent Association tweeted.
She and a fellow officer were featured in a Facebook post on the NYPD’s 50th Precinct’s page back in 2018.
The Brooklyn native had been with the department for 17 years at the time, including four years in the command.
The mother-of-two also spent time serving on the NYPD’s Mounted Unit.
Prior to her law enforcement career, Officer Salomon “was a model, a singer, and dancer for a musical artist, touring all over Europe,” the department noted.
Active Police Officer Daphina Salomon, assigned to @NYPD50Pct, has passed away on 2/8/23 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Police Officer Salomon’s family was presented with our Department Flag in her honor. May she rest in eternal peace. #NeverForget@NYPDnews pic.twitter.com/tnkOhHPy6M
— NYPD Ceremonial Unit (@NYPDCeremonial) February 18, 2023
Today we said our final goodbyes to our @NYPD50Pct sister P.O. Daphina Salomon, a 21-year PBA member who lost her battle with pancreatic cancer last week. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers. #RIP pic.twitter.com/zgGR8Xo3R4
— NYC PBA (@NYCPBA) February 18, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of New York Police Department Officer Daphina Salomon, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
