Contact: Sunny Mindel/Matthew Higgins (212) 788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Police Commissioner Howard Safir today presided over the renaming of West 236 Street between Kingsbridge Avenue and Broadway in the Bronx to "Police Officer Vincent Guidice Place". Officer Guidice died on May 22, 1996 from a fatal injury he sustained while struggling to subdue a suspect in a domestic violence dispute.
"Officer Guidice exemplified the very best of the New York City Police Department and the men and women who routinely risk their lives to protect ours," Mayor Giuliani said. "His tragic death illustrated the explosive nature of domestic disputes -- and the inherent danger Police Officers confront when responding to these calls. The renaming of this street in honor of Officer Guidice is but a small gesture of our City's gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice he made on our behalf."
Police Commissioner Howard Safir said, "Let us look back on Officer Guidice's memory not with sorrow or bitterness but with fond remembrance of the man that he was, the esteemed co-worker, the good friend, the dear brother, and the beloved son. The dedication of this street will stand as visible proof that Officer Vincent Guidice is still with us and will always be with us."
Mayor Giuliani also renewed his call for the New York State Assembly to pass the "Vincent Guidice Memorial Act". This legislation, passed by the Senate on January 26, would amend the penal law to establish the appropriate punishment for anyone who recklessly or negligently causes the death of a police officer, peace officer, firefighter or emergency medical technician. Had this legislation been in effect when Officer Guidice died, his killer would have been charged with a class B felony, carrying a possible prison sentence of 25 years.
The Mayor continued, "I can think of no better way to honor Officer Guidice's memory than for the Legislature to adopt this bill. We must send a strong message to those who impede lawful authority that they will be held responsible for all of the consequences of their actions."
Officer Guidice was 27 at the time of his death. He worked out of the 50th Precinct on West 236 Street in the Bronx, now known as "Police Officer Vincent Guidice Place".