Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today dedicated a plaque in honor of Detectives Rodney J. Andrews and James V. Nemorin at a ceremony at the 77th Precinct Station House in Brooklyn.   Detectives Andrews and Nemorin, both assigned to the Narcotics Division, Firearms Investigation Unit, were murdered in the line of duty last year on March 10 during an undercover operation to buy illegal guns on Staten Island.  Detective Andrews was 34 years old and Detective Nemorin was 36 years old.

"Detective Rodney J. Andrews and Detective James V. Nemorin exemplified what it means to be members of New York's Finest," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Each day they came to work and willingly exposed themselves to the most dangerous situations imaginable in order to keep New York City the safest big city in America.  They paid the ultimate price, and their bravery and dedication will not be forgotten."

"On March 10, 2003, Detective Rodney J. Andrews and Detective James V. Nemorin exhibited the kind of courage and honor that has made the New York City Police Department the finest law enforcement agency in the world," said Commissioner Kelly.  "We will never forget the tremendous sacrifice these officers made with no other goal than to make New York City a safer place. These plaques will forever remind us of their valor, and will stand always for our commitment to continue their legacy of heroism."

Detectives Andrews and Nemorin were murdered during an undercover operation in Tompkinsville, Staten Island.  They were the first police officers to die in the line of duty since the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and the first shot to death since 1998.  Detectives Andrews and Nemorin were posing as gun buyers and were both shot dead by those who were supposed to sell them the guns.  Six men have been indicted in their killings.

Detective Andrews joined the Department in July 1996 in the 23rd Precinct. After honing his abilities in Brooklyn North Narcotics, he was promoted to Detective in 2001.   Detective Andrews was a veteran of the United States Navy, honorably discharged in 1991, and enjoyed baseball and oldies music.  He resided in Queens and is survived by his former spouse, Maryann, and their sons, Christian and Justin; mother, Patricia; and sister, Felicia Ryan.

Detective Nemorin also joined the Department in July 1996 and began his career on patrol in the Housing Bureau's PSA 1.  After working in Brooklyn South Narcotics, he was promoted to Detective in 2000.  Detective Nemorin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from John Jay College in 1996.  He was an avid sports fan and played on the PBA soccer team.  Detective Nemorin was born in Haiti, moved to the United States at the age of 21 and resided in Nassau County.  He is survived by his wife Rose and their children, Stephan, Rodolphe and Sarah; parents, Jeanine and Aubriant; sisters, Murielle, Gisele, Jessie, Marie-Jean Etienne and Karen Benoit; and brothers, Rodolphe and Petion.