Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972
MAYOR GIULIANI AND POLICE COMMISSIONER SAFIR HONOR NYPD HEROES AT MEDAL DAY CEREMONY
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Police Commissioner Howard Safir today honored members of the New York City Police Department for acts of valor at Medal Day 1997 ceremonies held outside of One Police Plaza. Seventy-four medals were presented, five posthumously, and eight police commands were recognized for outstanding service.
"The New York City Police Department consists of 38,000 officers -- the largest police force in the country," Mayor Giuliani said. "And I know that those of you who are here today have done things that are very special. However, I also know that most of the 38,000 police officers could be sitting here with you if put in the same life or death situations. You represent what the New York City Police Department is really all about. Unfortunately, the things that you have done including even the tragedy of those who have lost their lives -- the five officers we remember today, are not given as much attention as when a police officer acts improperly, criminally or disrespectfully. But the reason why we have this ceremony is because you are the role models for all police officers. You are the ones who have put your lives at risk and have been called upon to demonstrate that. Great institutions have heroes and the purpose of having heores is that ordinary people can realize within themselves that if called upon they have the potential to be heroes also.
"Today we pay special tribute to the five police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to their families," the Mayor continued. "They also are heroes but they have made the ultimate sacrifice. And their families have made that ultimate sacrifice as well. This is just a small way to remind ourselves that we owe them a great deal. We must always remember what they did. Sadly, we cannot bring them back but we can appropriately honor them and make certaian they are never forgotten.
"Finally, I want to thank all of the families that are here. The police officers who are receiving medals have a reward that comes from having pride in the job they do. Those who have to stay at home and worry, don't have that same reward. But the people of New York City honor and respect you just as much, because we realize that they are products of families who taught them how to be New York City's finest," the Mayor concluded.
Police Commissioner Howard Safir said, "On the day a young man or woman begins a career as a Police Officer in the New York City Police Department, that recruit officer takes an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States. Implicit in that oath is the promise to put one's own life on the line to protect the people of this City. That promise to put aside all considerations of personal safety in favor of preventing serious injury or death to others is the essence of what makes this profession so different from other careers. How many people do you know who would run towards danger in order to save the life of someone they never met? Today we are here to recognize the heroic acts of men and women who were recently called upon to exhibit that kind of selfless courage and valor. Five of the officers we honor here today paid the ultimate price for this City, giving up their own lives so that others would be safe. We must also remember the families of these five men -- theirs is a loss that can never be made up and the people of the City of New York should always salute their courage."
The New York City Police Department Medal of Honor is the highest award that may be bestowed upon a member of the service. The Medal of Honor is awarded for acts of gallantry and valor performed with knowledge of the risk involved, above and beyond the call of duty. This year, six Medals of Honor -- five posthumously, were presented to the following officers:
- Lt. Federico Narvaez - Lt. Narvaez was on patrol the evening of October 18, 1996, when he was flagged down by a woman who was being harassed by a man who was possibly wanted by the police. After a search of the area, Lt. Narvaez spotted the suspect and attempted to detain him. The perpetrator shot Lt. Narvaez in the head. Lt. Narvaez was rushed to Kings County Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
- Police Officer Charles Davis - On December 21, 1996, Police Officer Charles Davis, while off-duty and opening a local check cashing store on Astoria Blvd. in Queens, was ambushed by several armed gunman. As Officer Davis attempted to thwart the robbery, he was shot and killed.
- Police Officer Brian Jones - Police Officer Brian Jones, while off-duty, was investigating the circumstances of a past robbery on October 13, 1996. As Officer Jones approached a suspect, the perpetrator drew a .357 caliber revolver and fired. Although he was able to return fire, striking the suspect twice, Officer Jones sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the head.
- Police Officer Kevin Gillespie - On March 14, 1996, plainclothes Police Officer Kevin Gillespie, assigned to the Street Crime Unit and working in the Bronx, attempted to apprehend four armed stolen car suspects. As Officer Gillespie jumped out of his car to pursue the suspects on foot , one of the gunmen fired two shots at him and fled. Despite the valiant efforts of police officers and emergency medical service personnel, Officer Gillespie succumbed to his wounds.
- Police Officer Vincent Guidice - On May 21, 1996, Officer Guidice and his partner volunteered to return to the scene of a domestic violence call. As the officers attempted to subdue and apprehend an abusive common-law husband, Officer Guidice was mortally wounded when a shard of glass from a mirror broken by the suspect severed his femoral artery.
- Police Officer Francis Latimer - In the early morning hours of August 15, 1996, Police Officer Francis Latimer and his partner observed a white Lincoln Town Car run a red light. Officer Latimer pursued the stolen vehicle until its driver attempted to abandon it at a street corner. As the officers approached the fleeing suspect, he fired at least five shots at them, one shot struck Officer Latimer in the head. As a result of the incident, Police Officer lost sight in both of his eyes.
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