The glow of candles outside UPMC Memorial in York on Saturday night brought together family members, hospital staff, and law enforcement, marking the first anniversary of the ICU shooting that killed West York Patrolman Andrew Duarte. A private ceremony at the hospital was followed by a public luminaria lighting and dusk remembrance at the borough’s memorial across the street, where neighbors left flowers and donations for the growing memorial project.
Private service at hospital, public memorial in borough
The hospital service was closed to the public, but West York Borough organized a separate ceremony at Freedom Park and livestreamed a short musical tribute from the Patrolman Andrew Duarte Public Safety Art Gallery. As reported by WGAL, community members were invited to place flowers and make donations to support the memorial and ongoing gallery programs, and the borough’s own site lays out the gallery and memorial plans in more detail.
Family and hospital statements
Duarte’s mother, Nancy Duarte-Matarese, told those gathered that the family would "never quit" as they remember his self-sacrifice and continue to seek healing, according to Fox43. The health system said it has made security changes, including "additional police officers, new technology, and updated safety equipment," the outlet reported, signaling an ongoing effort to confront what happened inside the ICU.
One year on: the shooting and probe
The February 22, 2025, ICU attack left Officer Duarte dead and wounded several hospital staff and officers, and investigators said the gunman had recent contact with the unit, according to AP. York County District Attorney Tim Barker has said the officers' use of force was justified, and multiple agencies continue to review the response, as reported by CBS Philadelphia, even as the community tries to shift its focus to honoring Duarte’s memory.
How the community is remembering
Since the shooting, the borough has moved ahead with a permanent Fallen Officers Memorial and the public-safety art gallery to honor Duarte’s life and service. West York’s site notes that donations raised after the shooting helped fund the memorial project, and officials say the image of candles and community support remains central to how they mark the anniversary and keep Duarte’s legacy present in the borough.
