NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — A New York Police Department sergeant who never took a sick day in his 42 year career has died with just weeks to go until his retirement.

Sgt. Francis “Buddy” Murnane was weeks away from his 63rd birthday when he died Sunday after an apparent heart attack at his home.

Murnane was the NYPD’s longest-serving active officer. He was honored at a City Hall ceremony in 2010.

“NYPD lost a lot, there is no replacement for Buddy,” retired NYPD officer Edna Lugo told WCBS 880’s Peter Haskell. “He literally dediated his life to the NYPD.”