Authorities and Linden city officials have identified the police officer killed in an early morning Staten Island crash as Officer Frank Viggiano 28, a 5-year veteran, and city resident 28-year-old Joe Rodriguez.
Authorities said Officer Pedro Abad, 27, a 6-year veteran and Officer Patrik Kudlac, 23, a 2-year veteran suffered extensive injuries and are fighting for their lives.
Authorities said an initial investigation revealed that three off-duty officers with the Linden Police Department and a civilian traveling in a sedan appeared to have been going against traffic on the West Shore Expressway when they crashed head on with a tractor-trailer shortly before 5 a.m., according to Linden Authorities.
Authorities said the vehicle was being driven by Pedro and had Rodriguez in the front passenger seat. Viggiano was in the rear seat passenger side while Kudlac was in rear driver's seat.
Linden's Mayor Derek Armstead sent condolences to both families and mentioned Officer Viggiano once being his driver.
Photo of Joe Rodriguez (Yankee Cap), Pedro Abad (Uniform), Patrick Kudlac (blue shirt), Viggiano (final picture)