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The Albany Police Department is mourning the loss of Officer Jan Mika Junior, who passed away suddenly while off duty on Wednesday (December 24). Officer Mika, aged 48, served the city of Albany with dedication and professionalism for 22 years. His passing has deeply affected his family, friends, colleagues, and the community he served.
Officer Mika is survived by his wife, Stehle Hetman-Mika, and their children. Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan expressed her condolences, stating, "Officer Jan Mika served the City of Albany with distinction for more than 20 years — always ready to help anyone and everyone, often times when people were having the worst day of their lives." The mayor has ordered flags on all city buildings to be lowered to half-staff in his honor.
The wake for Officer Mika will be held on Tuesday (December 30) from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Parish of Mater Christi on Hopewell Street in Albany. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday (December 31) at 9:30 a.m. at the same location. The Albany Police Department has requested that the privacy of the family be respected during this difficult time, and media access will not be permitted inside the services.