Felix Rodriguez

On September 24, 2024, Police Officer Felix Rodriguez passed away due to cancer that he developed following his assignment to the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He fought a long battle with the disease, remaining brave and positive, even while enduring unspeakable pain. He served with the New York City Police Department since 2013 and was 43 years old at the time of his death. 

Rodriguez was born and raised in New York City. He knew from a young age that he wanted a life in public service. He started his career as a teenager, when he became an Explorer for the NYPD. A short time later, he became a Police Cadet. While serving as a cadet, he was activated and sent to the search and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. Like so many who answered the call during one of our nation’s darkest moments, he went where he was needed without hesitation. It was there that he found his true calling to help others and serve the city where he was born and raised. In 2011, he became a Peace Officer with the Department of Homeless Services Police, serving and protecting some of the city’s most vulnerable residents. He achieved his childhood dream when he was sworn in as a Police Officer with the NYPD in January 2013. His family could not have been prouder. He went on to serve the communities of the 43 Precinct in the Bronx, wearing Shield No. 7060. To those who worked beside him, he was so much more than a shield number or a uniform. He was a protector – strong, fierce, dependable, and loyal, with an extraordinarily kind heart underneath it all. He treated people like they were family, always willing to offer advice, lend a helping hand, or simply sit and talk with someone who needed it. And he could certainly talk; he was quick with a joke, and rarely without a smile. 

In 2021, Rodriguez was diagnosed with cancer related to his service following the 9/11 attacks. What followed was a long and incredibly difficult battle involving many treatments and tremendous physical pain. He told everyone not to worry about him, concerned for them more than himself. He remained strong, brave, and remarkably positive until his final days. He dedicated his life to helping others and will be missed by all who knew him. 

 Rodriguez married his wife, Yazmina Silva-Rodriguez, and together they had their son, Logan, in 2020. Felix was a devoted husband and father who loved his family deeply. His happiness was contagious. He enjoyed every minute with his family, and it was evident to everyone that he adored his wife and son. His family was his greatest accomplishment.  

Police Officer Felix Rodriguez is survived by his beloved wife, Yazmina, his cherished son, Logan, his mother, his brother-in-law, NYPD Chief of Patrol Philip Rivera, and many other loving family members, friends, fellow officers and members of his extended NYPD family. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Rodriguez family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.