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The first bill before me today is Introductory Number 869, sponsored by Council Members Harrison and Marshall. The bill would add the name "Officer Gabriel Vitale and Officer Anthony J. Abruzzo, Jr. Place" to Union Street, between 37th and 38th Avenues, in Queens.

Police Officers Gabriel Vitale and Anthony Abruzzo are heroes of the 109th Precinct in Queens. Both men made the ultimate sacrifice for the people of this City by giving their lives in the line of duty. It is a fitting tribute to their memories, and to the work and dedication of all the police officers of the 109th Precinct, that today we name the street adjacent to the stationhouse in honor of Gabriel Vitale and Anthony Abruzzo.

On Christmas Eve, 1980, Officer Vitale was responding to a burglar alarm at a florist's shop. Officer Vitale and his partner attempted to stop and question two suspicious men, but the men fled. Officer Vitale managed to apprehend one man and held him at gunpoint. Concerned for his partner's safety, Officer Vitale holstered his weapon and began to try to radio his partner. Without warning, the suspect pulled out a .45 caliber handgun and shot Officer Vitale twice. He was rushed to the hospital, but eventually succumbed to his wounds with his family at his bedside.

Nearly a year later, on December 16, 1981, Officer Abruzzo heard his father-in-law shouting for help outside their home. His father-in-law was being robbed on the street. Officer Abruzzo rushed out from the house and identified himself as a police officer. The suspects then turned and shot Officer Abruzzo in the chest. He too was rushed to the hospital, but later died from his wounds.

These two men performed their duties instinctively and without regard for their own safety. Officer Vitale thought first of his partner and Officer Abruzzo thought first of his family. Although they have been gone for twenty years, the officers of the 109th Precinct, the Police Department and the people whom they served have not forgotten their heroism.

I am honored, therefore, to memorialize their lives and sacrifices today by renaming Union Street, between 37th and 38th Avenues, "Officer Gabriel Vitale and Officer Anthony J. Abruzzo, Jr. Place."

For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.

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