Security guard killed in NYC Park Ave mass shooting honored in funeral

CANARSIE, Brooklyn (PIX11) -- Family, friends and colleagues packed the Guarino Funeral Home in Brooklyn on Saturday to lay to rest hero security guard Aland Etienne, after he was killed on the job at 345 Park Ave.

"Aland made the ultimate sacrifice, choosing bravery and selflessness over fear," said Smith Etienne of his brother during the service. Aland Etienne was gunned down in the lobby of the Park Avenue high-rise on July 28 while trying to hit a panic button to stop the shooter, Shane Tamura, from advancing into the building.

"In his final moments, he acted to protect others–saving countless lives at the cost of his own," the Etienne family stated in his obituary.

He was one of three people shot and killed in 345 Park Ave. along with Police Officer Didarul Islam, Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner and Rudin employee Julia Hyman. NFL staffer Craig Clementi was also shot but was expected to survive.

Etienne was a 46-year-old Haitian native who immigrated to the United States in 2017 to "create a better life for his family and those he loved." As a security guard, he was also an active member of the 32BJ union.

"It is every security officer’s worst fear – that they won’t make it home to their families after their shift. They risk their lives every day to keep others safe," said Manny Pastreich, President of 32BJ SEIU.

Outside of work, Etienne was also known for his love of storytelling and film, which left a lasting impact on his younger brother, Smith Etienne. The younger of the brothers went on to pursue a career in cinema, which he said his elder brother often shared guidance in.

Etienne is survived by his life partner, Rachelle Paoli, his five younger siblings and his four children.