A motorcyclist killed in an accident Sunday night on the south side was an off-duty Tucson police officer.
42-year-old Peter Mannino was hit at the intersection of Palo Verde and Benson Highway as he was going home from work at about 7:15.
Investigators say he was heading south on Palo Verde when a car going north on Palo Verde turned left onto the Benson Highway and the two collided.
Investigators say Mannino was wearing a helmet.
Monday afternoon the Tucson Police Department officially announced the death of one of its own.
The announcement was made at the Midtown Division where Mannino worked.
Members of Mannino's squad listening tearfully as their commander said they all were there to express "our sorrow and to honor his memory."
Mannino's friend and classmate at the police academy, Sergeant Al Guinee, said Mannino "never hesitated to put a smile on my face."
Guinee said Mannino was an exceptional person.
Midtown Division Commander, Captain David Neri, said, "He was the kind of officer every commander wants in their division. He was the kind of officer every sergeant wants in their squad and the kind of officer every other officer wants in the vehicle next to them."
Neri added, "On duty, he served as an example to his peers. He served as a field training officer and as a highly regarded mentor to many of our junior staff. Off duty he was the kind of man who kissed his two sons goodnight every night and told them that he loved them before he went to sleep."
Mannino is survived by his wife, DeAnna, and his sons, 16-year-old Vincent and 22-month-old Johnathan.
A date and time for services have not been set yet.
Pima County sheriff's deputies are investigating the crash because it happened in the county.
The driver of the car has not yet been cited.
Officer Erik Hite passed away on June 2, 2008
Officer Patrick Hardesty was killed on May 26, 2003
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