Release #314-00

 

Contact:

Sunny Mindel/Julie Caudell (212) 788-2958

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani joined First Deputy Police Commissioner Patrick E. Kelleher today as he renamed West 8th Street between Surf and Neptune Avenues in Brooklyn after Police Officer Harry R. Ryman who was killed 20 years ago today in an off-duty shoot out. At the time of his death, Officer Ryman was assigned to the 60th Precinct in Brooklyn.

On August 14, 1980, Officer Ryman, assigned to the 60th Precinct's Anti-Crime Unit, was shot and killed while off-duty as he attempted to prevent three males from breaking into a parked car outside of his apartment. Officer Ryman confronted the suspects, and upon identifying himself as a police officer, was shot and fatally wounded. Officer Ryman was able to return fire, and wounded one of his assailants.

"I am honored to rename West 8th Street between Surf and Neptune Avenues in Brooklyn, 'Police Officer Harry R. Ryman Place'", Mayor Giuliani said. "In the twenty years since his death, his family, friends and fellow officers have honored his memory by emulating him and the example he set. Harry Ryman was a dedicated police officer who heeded the call of duty 24 hours a day. Today is New York City's turn to pay this tribute to Officer Ryman so that he is never forgotten."

"We dedicate this street so that every rookie officer who comes to the 60th Precinct will read the name Police Officer Harry Ryman before they even walk through the door, and will find the inspiration they need to follow his example of honor and commitment," said Deputy Commissioner Kelleher. "We dedicate this street so that the citizens of this neighborhood and of this City will have a permanent and visible reminder of a true hero, who demonstrated to all of us that courage and a sense of duty are not qualities that you hang up with your uniform at the end of the day. And we dedicate this street to let the family of Harry Ryman know that this City recognizes the awful sacrifice that he was called to make, that you were called to make, and that you continue to make for the people of this City."

Prior to joining the New York City Police Department, Harry Ryman served in the United States Navy. His five children, Nora, Janet, Margaret, Harry, and Edward attended today's ceremony. His wife, Dorothy, passed away in 1999.