Adam Frasse

New York City Police Department (NYPD) Detective 2nd Grade Adam Frasse experienced chest pain while conducting surveillance of human trafficking on November 23, 2009. He suffered a heart attack and lost oxygen to his brain for 30 minutes. Sadly, he never regained consciousness and was in a coma for four-and-a-half years. He passed away on May 5, 2014 at the age of 48.

Frasse had a very happy and loving childhood. He was born in Seaford, New York. His father, John, was a Navy gunner in World War II and then became a Sergeant in the Nassau County Police Department. His mother, Elizabeth, was a homemaker who raised him, along with his siblings, John and Christopher. His brothers grew up to be a Navy Pilot and a news cameraman. Frasse wanted to make a difference and chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a law enforcement officer. He graduated from Hofstra University in 1987, then joined the NYC Transit Police the same year. He transferred to the NYPD on November 30, 1992. He rose in rank to Detective 2nd Grade, working on the Vice Squad. Frasse was an avid supporter who fought to change the gun laws after his partners, Detective Rodney “Jay” Andrews and Detective James Nemorin, were shot and killed in a gun buy-and-bust on Staten Island, New York in 2003. 

Frasse met his future wife, Kara, at a family wedding. She was born in Scotland and came to the United States for the wedding of her cousin, who married Adam’s best friend. They spent the days before the wedding together and it was love at first sight. He was the funniest man she had ever met. They married in Scotland and went on to have two boys, Scott and Jay. Jay was named after Detective Rodney “Jay” Andrews. Frasse was a devoted and loving father who made everything fun, especially travel and sports with his boys. Frasse had just completed the requirements for a master’s degree from Marist College before his illness. The degree was awarded to him and accepted by his ten-year-old son, Scott. He had been inducted into the NYPD Honor League for an operation involving illegal guns being brought into New York. He received numerous commendations for outstanding work. He cared deeply about young children who had been trafficked and was working to change things. He instilled in his children the same kindness and desire to help people. He managed to always find laughter in life, even in dark places.

NYPD Detective 2nd Grade Adam Frasse is survived by his loving wife, Kara, his sons, Scott and Jay, his brothers, John and Christopher, and many cherished family members.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided the Frasse family with a mortgage-free home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.