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Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Police Commissioner Bernard B. Kerik today joined family members and officers assigned to the Staten Island Task Force in honoring Police Officers John M. Kelly and Benjamin Marciante during a memorial plaque dedication ceremony at the command's headquarters located at One Edgewater Plaza, Staten Island.

"This is an altogether fitting tribute to two fine police officers," Mayor Giuliani said. "Both Officer Kelly and Officer Marciante exemplified the very best qualities of New York's Finest. One made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty for the people of the City of New York; the other had his life cut far too short and was taken from his family, friends and colleagues. Today's dedication will help us to remember that John and Benjamin had a positive impact on our lives, and that their memory will live on."

Police Officer John M. Kelly was killed in the line of duty on July 17, 2000, while pursuing a stolen motorcycle in Staten Island. Police Officer Benjamin Marciante died on January 17, 2000 when he succumbed, while off duty, to cardiac arrest. Joining Mayor Giuliani and Police Commissioner Kerik for the memorial plaque unveiling was Officer Kelly's widow, Patricia Duffy, as well as Officer Marciante's widow, Amy.

Early in the afternoon of July 17, 2000, Police Officer John M. Kelly, of the Staten Island Auto Larceny Unit observed a stolen motorcycle being driven on a local expressway. As he exited his unmarked auto after pulling the vehicle over, the motorcyclist sped away. Police Officer Kelly returned to his car and utilized his emergency lights and siren during the ensuing pursuit. Police Officer Kelly was fatally injured when his vehicle careened off the road and struck a telephone pole. The driver of the motorcycle was subsequently arrested. Police Officer Kelly was 31 years old at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Duffy, who is a retired police officer from the 120th Precinct, and his sons Sean and Christopher.

Police Officer Kelly has three brothers who are active NYPD police officers. Officer Kelly joined the NYPD on January 19, 1992.

Police Officer Benny Marciante joined the New York City Police Department on August 24, 1994 and was assigned to the Staten Island Task Force Evidence Collection Unit. Officer Marciante died on January 17, 2000 of cardiac arrest. Officer Marciante was 27 years old at the time of his death; he is survived by his wife Amy. The memorial plaques were donated by Officers assigned to the Staten Island Task Force.