MAYOR GIULIANI AND FIRST DEPUTY POLICE COMMISSIONER SIMONETTI HONOR THE MEMORY OF FALLEN POLICE OFFICER KEVIN GILLESPIE
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and First Deputy Police Commissioner Tosano Simonetti today honored the memory of Police Officer Kevin Gillespie at a plaque dedication ceremony held at the Unity Community Center in Brooklyn. Joining the Mayor and the First Deputy Commissioner were Chief of Department Louis Anemone, members of Police Service Area (PSA) #2 and members of the Gillespie family, including Kevin's wife, Patricia Gillespie, and his two sons, Daniel and Robert.
"Today we celebrate the memory and contributions of one of the Police Department's finest officers, Kevin Gillespie," Mayor Giuliani said. "Many of his fellow officers have said, 'Kevin died doing what he loved because he lived for his job.' The job of a police officer is difficult, it's a sacrifice but it is a tremendously rewarding one because there is nothing that gives you more of a sense of self worth than being able to help other people. That is what Kevin Gillespie brought to his job and to this Department. And that is the legacy of Kevin Gillespie that we keep alive today."
The Mayor continued, "The plaque we dedicate today will be displayed permanently at PSA #2. For over three years, Kevin served with distinction and enthusiasm leaving an indelible mark in this community as a fair and compassionate cop. Let this plaque serve as a reminder to all who serve PSA #2 of Kevin's grace and courage."
"Today we pay tribute to a police officer who -- each and every day of his life -- exemplified the best of the New York City Police Department: courage, dedication, honor and respect," First Deputy Commissioner Simonetti said. "Kevin Gillespie demonstrated his commitment to the Department through his actions, his bravery and his love of the law. He died doing what he loved to do the most -- protecting New Yorkers and the communities he served so very well. This plaque will forever be a reminder that this Department and this City will never forget his sacrifice; and his memory will remain embedded in our memories for years to come."
On March 14, 1996, Police Officer Kevin Gillespie was shot and killed during a gun battle in the Fordham section of the Bronx. Four others were wounded during the incident, including fellow officer, Terrance McAllister.
Kevin Gillespie began his law enforcement career with the then New York City Housing Authority's PSA #2. For three and a half years, he worked the "midnight platoon" and led the command in arrest activity. He then worked with PSA #2's specialized community police team, the Anti-Crime Unit. Officer Gillespie then moved on to the Street Crime Unit, where he served until his death. Earlier this month, a plaque was dedicated in Officer Gillespie's memory at the Street Crime Unit's headquarters on Randall's Island.
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