Capitol police recruit from Yorktown laid to rest

YORKTOWN, N.Y. —A Crompond native and Capitol police officer recruit has been laid to rest.  

Christopher Katz was killed in a car crash in Georgia on Saturday, Feb. 1. At the time of the crash, he was traveling with fellow officers after leaving the FLETC base. He was 22. 

Katz's desire to serve and protect started at a young age. 

“While others dreamed of becoming sports heroes, Chris set his sights on a career in federal law enforcement," an obituary posted by Yorktown Funeral Home said. "He embraced every challenge with determination and poured himself into everything he did—whether excelling in sports, academics, or learning new skills to connect with those around him. His love for baseball, football, MMA, anime, and the outdoors was only surpassed by his devotion to family and friends.” 

Katz graduated from Walter Panas High School and joined the Army Reserve. He excelled in military intelligence at Horsham, and later joined the military police unit in Maryland. As a student at Temple University, Katz was involved in ROTC, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant—all while completing a degree in criminal justice. 

“His resilience and commitment were undeniable. He had a deep respect for the critical role of protecting the nation’s elected officials and institutions of democracy,” his obituary says. 

Following the news of the accident earlier this month, United States Congressmembers and Capitol Police honored Katz, and his fellow recruits citing a deep dedication to their service.  

“Each and every day, the Capitol Police put their lives on the line to ensure that the United States Congress, the crown jewel of representative Democracy, can safely do the people’s work,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and House Administration ranking member Joe Morelle (D-NY) said in a joint statement on Feb. 3. “It is with admiration and gratitude for the life and death work of the USCP that we pray for the loved ones of Recruit Officer Katz and all of those reeling from this tragedy.”  

Katz is survived by his parents, Lillian Ojeda and Tom Katz, and his brother, Mikey. A GoFundMe has been set up by friends of Katz to help honor his legacy and support the family as they navigate this period of grief.  

According to an update on the GoFundMe page from the family, Katz was laid to rest at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla. U.S. Army and Capitol Police honor guards paid tribute to Katz, which the family called “deeply meaningful to all of us.”  

The family thanked all who have shown support and said they were “especially touched by the flags that were flown over the U.S. Capitol in his memory and presented to our family. These gestures are deeply meaningful, and we are grateful for the recognition of Chris’s service and sacrifice.”  

Katz’s family added that the support has been “humbling” and is helping them through.  

“To our friends, neighbors, and the local businesses who have shown kindness, generosity, and unwavering support during this time, we thank you," the family said. "Your acts of compassion—whether through donations, meals, services, or simply being there for our family—have helped ease the weight of this loss. Knowing that Chris was surrounded by such a strong and caring community brings us comfort.”  

In addition to the GoFundMe, which has raised over $38,000 as of Feb. 18, donations can be made in Katz’s memory to Team Foster (a nonprofit serving veterans in need and their service dogs), and the Capitol Police Fund.  

“Beyond the uniform, Christopher Katz was a friend, a brother, a son, and a mentor,” the GoFundMe says. “He was someone who could always be counted on in times of need, offering a helping hand or a word of encouragement when it was most needed. His loss leaves a hole in our hearts that will never be filled, but his memory will live on in all of us.”