Officer Critically Injured In Coney Island Fire Shows Signs Of Recovery

Photo: GREAT NEWS!! PO Rosa Rodriguez who was critically injured in the arson on April 6th opened her eyes yesterday for the first time and saw her children and gave them a thumbs up as they were talking to her. Please continue to keep Rosa and her family in your prayers as she continues to fight!!
Source: Courtesy of the New York Police Department Hispanic Society

Rosa Rodriguez, one of two police officers who responded to a Coney Island fire on April 6, is showing signs of improvement, according to the New York Police Department Hispanic Society.

The group posted on Facebook that Rodriguez “opened her eyes [Friday] for the first time and saw her children and gave them a thumbs up as they were talking to her.”

Her partner Dennis Guerra fared worse, making citywide headlines when he succumbed to his injuries three days after the fire. Sixteen-year-old Marcell Dockery is accused of starting the fire in 2007 Surf Avenue’s high-rise building because he was bored, and he has been indicted.

According to Brooklyn News 12, Dockery is the sole suspect in the case and faces charges of second-degree murder, assault in the first degree, arson in the fourth degree and reckless endangerment charges. If convicted, Dockery faces a maximum sentence of 25 years-to-life in prison.

Rodriguez is not expected to leave the hospital any time soon since “she continues to fight” her injuries, according to the Hispanic Society.