Michael Ameri

Michael E. Ameri, 44, served New York City for decades with a steady dedication to public safety and community-focused policing. As commanding officer of the NYPD Highway Patrol Unit, and previously as commander of the 78th Precinct in Park Slope, he worked on initiatives to reduce traffic injuries and supported programs that connected the department with neighborhood needs.

Colleagues and community members credited Inspector Ameri with practical leadership: he played a visible role in implementing Vision Zero traffic-safety measures and in local efforts such as supporting crossing guard training and the establishment of protected bike lanes in Brooklyn. Those who worked with him described a hands-on approach to solving neighborhood problems and a willingness to engage with residents and elected officials to improve safety on city streets.

Born in the early 1970s (age 44 at his death), Ameri rose through the department to lead units that handled complex traffic and public-safety responsibilities. His appointment to head the Highway Patrol in 2014 placed him at the center of citywide efforts to reduce collisions and protect vulnerable road users.

Family and friends gathered to honor his life in services arranged by Mangano Family Funeral Homes in Middle Island, New York. The visitation and Mass reflected the respect of those who knew him professionally and personally.

Michael Ameri’s passing on May 13, 2016, was a profound loss to colleagues, neighbors, and the communities he served. While public records note the circumstances of his death, his lasting imprint is found in the safety programs he supported, the officers he led, and the everyday acts of service that marked his career. He is remembered as a committed public servant whose work sought to make city streets safer for all.