NYPD officer dies saving family from Sandy

By NBC News staff NYPD Artur Kasrpzak, a six-year NYPD veteran, died Monday night while helping family members to safety inside his flooded Staten Island home, according to police. Friends, family and colleagues are mourning an off-duty New York City police officer who died while helping seven family members to safety inside his flood-ravaged home on Staten Island during superstorm Sandy. Officer Artur Kasprzak, 28,  died Monday night in the basement of his flooded home. In a statement, the NYPD gave the following account: As flood water surged into the house, Officer Kasprzak was able to get six adults and a 15-month-old boy into his attic to escape the rapidly rising water. Officer Kasprzak then told one of the women he was going to check the basement, but would be right back. After he did not return, she called 911 to report Officer Kasprzak missing. NYPD Emergency Service and SCUBA units quickly responded, but could not access the home due to down, electrified power lines in the water. A search commenced as soon as the house was safe to enter. At approximately 7 a.m. Tuesday, Officer Kasprzak's body was located, unconscious and unresponsive, in the basement. EMTs pronounced him dead at the scene. Kasrpzak, a six-year NYPD veteran, was assigned to the 1st Precinct in Manhattan. "We offer condolences and prayers for Police Officer Kasprzak's family and all those who are suffering losses as a result of the storm, and extended deep appreciation for those working selflessly to help others," the NYPD said. "They and Artur will never be forgotten." "He was a brave guy," a friend, Tommy Krol, 29, told the New York Daily News. "He loved being a cop. He loved his job." At least 26 Sandy-related deaths have been reported in New York City as of Wednesday, according to NBCNewYork.com. Share your photos with us We want to see the people that helped you during this time of crisis. Post pictures on Twitter or Instagram by tagging them #NBCNewsPics or upload photos using the form below. Use the caption or Tweet to explain why the person is a hero. Click here for more information More Sandy coverage from NBCNews.com: Obama surveying NJ disaster; Navy sends carriers to help Devastated NY community built by firefighters burned beyond their reach For some who stayed behind in New York, it wasn't too bad Flames rage anew in barrier island town ravaged by Sandy Sandy leaves trail of destruction, disbelief in its path Toppled tree exposes skeletal remains, cement box Your Sandy photos: Show us the heroes in your life New York's post-Sandy divide: Those with power and those without By the numbers: Superstorm Sandy Follow US news from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook