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Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and First Deputy Police Commissioner Joseph P. Dunne today dedicated a plaque honoring the memory of Police Officer Matthew Dziergowski. Officer Dziergowski was killed in the line of duty on February 14, 1999 while attempting to protect other officers from serious injury as they were handling a vehicle accident on the West Shore Expressway in Staten Island. Joining the Mayor and First Deputy Commissioner for the dedication ceremony at the 123rd Precinct stationhouse where Officer Dziergowski served, were his widow, Maria, his sons Daniel and Matthew, his father Anthony, and his friend and colleague, Police Officer Russell Goffred.

"Today we pay tribute to Officer Matthew Dziergowski and the ultimate sacrifice he made to protect the lives of three of his fellow officers," said Mayor Giuliani. "Officer Dziergowski knew full well what he was doing on the morning of February 14,1999 when he put himself in harm's way to shield others from certain injury. His act of bravery and courage will not soon be forgotten and will always serve as a fine example of the dedication of New York City's Finest."

In the early morning hours on Sunday, February 14, 1999, Police Officer Dziergowski, while assigned to the 123rd Precinct, was assisting fellow officers at the scene of a vehicle accident on the West Shore Expressway. After placing traffic cones and flares in the roadway to divert traffic away from the accident site, Officer Dziergowski positioned his vehicle as a barrier to ensure the safety of other officers still working at the scene. Later, Officer Dziergowski observed a vehicle traveling at a very high rate of speed crash through the traffic cones and flares as it headed directly toward his colleagues. With no time to warn them, he placed concern for his own safety aside and drove his patrol car directly into the path of the oncoming vehicle, taking the full force of the collision. Officer Dziergowski was transported to Bellevue Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Three other members of the service were also injured in the crash, but escaped with their lives due to Officer Dziergowski's heroic actions.

Police Officer Dziergowski was 38 years old at the time of his death. He joined the New York City Police Department on July 25, 1983. The Police Benevolent Association and officers assigned to the 123rd donated the memorial plaque.

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