The West York borough police department confirmed that Officer Andrew Duarte was killed in the line of duty during an active shooter incident at UPMC Memorial Hospital Feb. 22, 2025.

He had been a police officer for more than six years, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Duarte spent five years with the Denver Police Department in Denver, Colorado before becoming an officer in West York, his profile states. He began working at West York in June of 2022. 

He received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice/police science from PennWest California in western Pennsylvania.

While out West, Duarte worked as a patrol and a DUI/DRE enforcement officer. He highlighted a couple of awards he received: the Top Student Award for outstanding academic achievement when he completed Drug Recognition Expert school and one from Mothers Against Drunk Driving in 2021 for impaired driving enforcement.

“I am a driven person who likes a new challenge and to expand my horizons with new education and new opportunities. I am a self starter and operate with a significant amount of self management in my position. I have a type A personality and like to succeed in all that I do,” he wrote in his profile.

Police departments express their condolences to Duarte’s colleages, family

Condolences are pouring in from around York County in the loss of Officer Duarte.

Southern Regional Police extended its condolences to Duarte’s family, friends, and colleagues in a statement on Facebook.

“We stand in solidarity with the West York Borough Police Department during this incredibly difficult time and offer our full support. Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Duarte’s family as they navigate through this unimaginable loss.”

The Dover Township Fire Department posted on Facebook: “On behalf of DTFD, our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Duarte’s family, and everyone involved in today’s tragic event at UPMC Memorial Hospital.”