Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958
Samantha Lugo (212) 788-9364
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today unveiled a plaque dedicating the park and playground at Eastchester Heights, formally known as Hillside Homes, in The Bronx, to the memory of slain New York City Police Detective Sean Carrington. Detective Carrington was the first officer killed in the line of duty in 1998. He was gunned down on January 19, during an undercover "buy and bust" operation.
"Detective Carrington felt the love and concern for his neighborhood that only a native son can feel. It's appropriate that we're dedicating a park, a playground - a place for children and their parents to come and celebrate the small pleasures of daily life. A playground is a place alive with the sound of children playing in safety. Detective Carrington lived and ultimately gave his life to keep the children of this city safe," the Mayor said.
"His work as a member of the Bronx Narcotics Task Force placed him on the front lines of our City's war against drugs. That war is really about preserving the lives and dreams of children. Drugs rob our young people of their hope and their initiative. It destroys families and neighborhoods. It is a testament to the moral fiber of Sean Carrington that he saw what was happening in the community where he grew up and was determined to make a difference. That's why we honor him as a hero today and every day," the Mayor added.
"Not so long ago, when this was the Hillside Homes, drug dealers ruled the streets. Shootings and vandalism were a fact of daily life. The revitalization of Hillside Homes into Eastchester Heights is a testament to the work of men like Detective Carrington," the Mayor concluded.
Joining the Mayor were Detective Carrington's mother, Jacqueline Hodge; his daughter Niya Carrington; Inspector Tom Mullen of the Bronx Narcotics Unit; Captain Kevin Clarke of the 47th Precinct, and members of the community where he served and lived.
The Mayor also thanked Brian Lewis of Prime Realty Services, Inc., who served as Master of Ceremonies, and whose commitment and dedication made this project possible.
During the ceremony, trophies were awarded to the participants of the summer athletic program held at the park. After the presentation, the community celebrated a "Family Day" and a street fair in Sean's honor.
Detective Carrington lived in the community from the time he entered first grade until he was 25 years old. At 28, Detective Carrington had become a member of the Narcotics Task Force, where he was awarded his detective shield after only 17 months on the unit. Detective Carrington lived in Co-op City with his infant daughter and girlfriend, Kenya Harris.