Photo: SimpleImages / Moment / Getty Images
Memorial services for Officer Jan Mika Junior of the Albany Police Department begin today (Tuesday, December 30) at the Parish of Mater Christi on Hopewell Street in Albany. Officer Mika, who passed away suddenly on Christmas Eve at the age of 48, served the Albany community with dedication and professionalism for 22 years.
Calling hours are scheduled from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. today, with funeral services set to take place tomorrow (Wednesday, December 31) at 9:30 a.m. at the same location. According to CBS 6 Albany, media access will not be allowed inside the services, and the Albany Police Department has requested that the family's privacy be respected during this difficult time.
Officer Mika's passing is deeply felt by his family, friends, colleagues, and the Albany community. 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." In honor of Officer Mika's service, flags on all City of Albany buildings will be flown at half-staff until the day of his funeral.
Additional details about the circumstances surrounding Officer Mika's death have not been made public. He is survived by his wife, Stehle Hetman-Mika, and their children.