Memorial Fund Established for Family of Slain ATF Agent

A memorial fund has been established for the family of slain ATF agent John Capano by the Federal Drug Agents Foundation (FDAF).

The Special Agent John Capano Memorial Fund is aimed at offsetting financial obligations for the family of the late ATF special agent, who was in the line of duty while trying to stop an of in Seaford on New Year’s Eve. FDAF officials said the primary purpose of the memorial fund is “to ensure that financial support is available for the college educations of Special Agent Capano's son and daughter." Capano's is a freshman at Northeastern University and daughter Natalie is in high school.

Capano of Massapequa was picking up cancer medication at Charlie’s for his elderly father shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday when James McGoey of Hampton Bays entered the store demanding cash and drugs, prompting the ATF agent and two other men to confront the suspect as he fled out the front door. A shootout ensued and both Capano and McGoey were killed. told the New York Post and ABC News they believe the bullet that struck Capano came from the gun of retired Nassau County police Lt. Christopher Geraghty, 54, who responded to the scene along with off-duty New York City Police Officer Joseph Arbia, 29, of Seaford.

“This tragic incident has left the entire ATF family saddened and we will seek every opportunity to ensure that John's wife and children remain part of the family and feel secure in the future."

Capano was in his 24th year as an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and assigned to the . The was a member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (IABTI) who had had taught U.S. military and local forces in Afghanistan and Iraq how to investigate blasts.

Individual and/or corporate donations may be made out to the Special Agent John Capano Memorial Fund and sent to the FDAF on 380 North Broadway, Suite 203, Jericho, NY 11753. Donations to the fund are tax deductible.

For further information regarding the Special Agent John Capano Memorial Fund, contact the FDAF at 516-932-7878.