Release #467-96

Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972

"In honoring these heroes of the New York City Police Department, we recognize the extraordinary demands of this noble profession and we thank our police officers for doing their difficult jobs with courage and dedication," Mayor Giuliani said. "It is very difficult to define the extraordinary quality of heroism. Perhaps the best way to define it is by the example set by the police officers we honor today.

"The history of New York City is being changed by the men and women of the New York City Police Department. Only a few years ago we heard people saying that New York City 'couldn't be governed' and how crime 'was out of control.' Those naysayers are now silent because New York City's dramatic crime reductions lead the nation. This is an historic accomplishment, and we owe it in large part to the leadership, courage and professionalism of the NYPD. Congratulations to you all -- you are the pride of a great Police Department and the City," the Mayor added.

"Today we honor those men and women, of the New York City Police Department for demonstrating a commitment to the people of this City that is unsurpassed by others," Commissioner Safir said. "While we gather together to honor those who have displayed uncommon bravery, honor and valor, we also honor those members of the Department who have made the supreme sacrifice. To everyone receiving the Department's highest honors today, I know I speak for the entire Department, for Mayor Giuliani and for the people of New York City when I say thank you for what you've done, and most importantly thank you for what you are, the most distinguished members of the greatest police department the world has ever known."

This year, five Medals of Honor, the highest honor the Police Department bestows on its members were presented:

• Police Officer Raymond Cannon was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Officer Cannon was shot and killed while responding to a report of suspicious persons in a bicycle shop, in December 1994.

• Also receiving the Medal of Honor was Officer Cannon's partner Officer Kevin Murphy who returned fire in the bicycle shop, killing one perpetrator and wounding another, while making a valiant effort to rescue his mortally wounded partner.

• Medals of Honor were awarded to Officer Charles Martin, Officer Thomas Koehler and Officer Keith Dietrich. In December of 1994, Officers Martin, Koehler and Dietrich entered a Queens parking garage and were confronted with a gunman on a deadly shooting rampage. Despite the fact Officer Koehler suffered a massive leg wound and Officers Martin and Dietrich were peppered with bullets and shrapnel, the officers were able to take control of the situation, mortally wounding the suspect.

• Officer Charles Oddo was struck and killed while rerouting traffic on the Gowanus Expressway in February, 1996.

• Officer David Willis was killed in a car accident while responding to a call in Manhattan's Chelsea district in September, 1995.

• Officer Alfred Boesch suffered a fatal heart attack while executing a search warrant in Queens in September 1995.

The Police Department's most recent crime statistics show a three year 37.5% decline in overall crime citywide. This decline includes a 49% decline in homicides; a 25.6% decline in assault; a 40.3% decline in robbery; and a 45.4% decline in automobile theft.