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Convicted NYPD “cooler cop” Erik Duran spoke out for the first time since being bailed out of an upstate prison Monday, just hours after posting $300,000 bail in the Bronx.

The 13-year veteran cop was freed while he appeals his April 9 manslaughter conviction for tossing a cooler during a 2023 Bronx buy-and-bust operation that killed suspect Eric Duprey.

“First and foremost, I want to thank my family, particularly my wife, my children and my parents for all their unconditional love and support throughout this ordeal,” Duran said in a statement released by the NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association.


  Former NYPD Sgt. Erik Duran is sentenced in Queens Court Thursday, April 9, 2026. Matthew McDermott for NY Post Former NYPD Sgt. Erik Duran is sentenced in Queens Court Thursday, April 9, 2026. Matthew McDermott for NY Post

  Statement from NYPD Sergeant Erik Duran. SBA Statement from NYPD Sergeant Erik Duran. SBA

“I also want to thank God for giving me strength and guiding me through the darkness,” he said. “I think my entire legal team for never giving up in their pursuit of justice.”

Duran also expressed gratitude for his police family.

“I want to thank my union, the SBA, my brothers and sisters in blue around the nation,” he said. “Your unwavering support and solidarity will never be forgotten. Thank you everyone for your prayers. I now look forward to seeing my family and fighting my appeal with the same determination I demonstrated throughout my career in the NYPD.”

New York Islanders fans also rallied behind the embattled officer during a home game against the Carolina Hurricanes last Tuesday, donating cash to the fund through a donation page shared on UBS Arena’s big screen via QR code. A portion of a 50/50 raffle during the game was also set to be donated to the legal fund.


  A still image from the August 2023 incident that saw Erik Duprey die after Duran tossed a cooler at him. Tomas E. Gaston .. for NY Post A still image from the August 2023 incident that saw Erik Duprey die after Duran tossed a cooler at him. Tomas E. Gaston .. for NY Post

Duran was convicted of second-degree manslaughter in February following a non-jury trial before Bronx Judge Guy Mitchell, who handed down a sentence of three to nine years in prison for the Aug. 23, 2023, freak fatal mishap.

More than 11,000 cops nationwide had signed a petition asking the judge to opt for probation.

Duran, a married father of three, now has 120 days to file with the state Appellate Division.

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