Cheektowaga Police Department, New York
End of Watch Tuesday, October 29, 2002
Add to My HeroesWasyl Potienko
Detective Wasyl Potienko was killed in an automobile accident on Broadway near Lackawanna Street.
Detective Potienko was en route to lunch when his unmarked patrol car was struck by a recycling truck and then pushed into the path of an oncoming pickup truck. Detective Potienko was thrown from his car and received fatal injuries. He was transferred to Erie County Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
Detective Potienko had served with the Cheektowaga Police Department for 15 years. He is survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 44
- Tour 15 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Automobile crash
Most Recent Reflection
View all 44 ReflectionsDet. Potienko,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Cheektowaga. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
October 29, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Caleb Abney
Hahira Police Department, GA
EOW: February 19, 2026
Trooper Michael Diego
Florida Highway Patrol, FL
EOW: February 18, 2026
Police Officer Brian Elliott
Beech Grove Police Department, IN
EOW: February 16, 2026
Trooper Hunter R. Bennett
Arizona Department of Public Safety, AZ
EOW: February 4, 2026
Sergeant Robert G. Porfert
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: March 21, 2025
Police Officer Timothy J. Keane
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: June 8, 2025
Deputy Sheriff Joe Crumpton
Spalding County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: December 9, 2025
Deputy Sheriff Richard A. Haggard
Lee County Sheriff's Department, MS
EOW: February 2, 2026
Police Officer Senior Pradeep Tamang
Gwinnett County Police Department, GA
EOW: February 1, 2026

