Release #357 -99

Contact: Sunny Mindel/Matthew Higgins 212 788-2958

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Police Commissioner Howard Safir today honored members of the New York City Police Department for acts of valor at Medal Day 1999 ceremonies held at One Police Plaza. At the ceremony, 48 members of the service received Departmental medals for acts of heroism, including the highest honor -- the Medal of Honor -- awarded to Detective Thomas Reilly and posthumously to Police Officers Gerard Carter and Anthony Mosomillo and Detective Sean Carrington. Also honored at the ceremony were eight commands that were recognized with Unit Citations for outstanding service during the previous year.

"Today is a solemn day, but also a proud one. When we honor our fallen heroes like Detective Carrington and Officers Mosomillo and Carter, we tell them and their families that they are not forgotten," Mayor Giuliani said. "Their sacrifice inspires us everyday and it is a privilege to honor them and also those who have followed their example."

"Today's ceremony is one of the proudest traditions of the New York City Police Department," Commissioner Safir said. "Behind each of the medals presented is a self-less act of courage, gallantry and heroism. The officers we honor today looked square in the face of the ultimate challenge and responded in the manner to which many aspire but few attain.

"Three of the heroes we honor today- Sean Carrington, Gerard Carter and Anthony Mosomillo- made the ultimate sacrifice. Gathering together today, those who knew and loved these men have an opportunity to share their memories. This ceremony gives us the chance not only to honor their bravery, but also to repeat our pledge that we will never forget our valiant brothers."

The New York City Police Department Medal of Honor is the highest award that may be bestowed upon a member of the service. The recipients are chosen from the distinguished departmental record of those already honorably mentioned for individual acts of bravery in the line of duty. The Medal of Honor is specifically awarded for acts of gallantry and valor performed with knowledge of the risk involved, above and beyond the call of duty. This year, the Medal of Honor was presented to four members of the service.

• Detective Thomas Reilly - While assigned to the Bronx South Narcotics District, Detective Reilly was working as a member of the apprehension team during a narcotics operation on January 19, 1998. Two undercover officers were shot by gunmen armed with semi-automatic weapons and one, Detective Sean Carrington, was mortally wounded. Hearing gunshots, Detective Reilly immediately responded to the location and forced his way through locked doors and into the lobby -- and into the line of fire. With one officer mortally wounded and the other injured, Detective Reilly, acting alone and without hesitation, engaged the gunmen which protected the life of the injured detective. One gunman was killed in the exchange of gunfire, and the other was captured while hiding inside an apartment. He has been charged with murder and attempted murder.

• Detective Sean Carrington - While assigned to the Bronx South Narcotics District, Detective Carrington was working in an undercover back-up capacity during a narcotics operation on January 19, 1998. After a successful narcotics purchase had been made at an indoor location, Detective Carrington and another officer engaged two suspects in conversation. The two suspects opened fire with semi-automatic weapons, killing Detective Carrington and wounding another officer.
• Police Officer Anthony Mosomillo - On May 28, 1998, Police Officer Mosomillo and his partner, Police Officer Miriam Torres, went to a basement apartment to execute a bench warrant. Acting on information they had developed, the officers found the male suspect hidden beneath a trap door in a rear closet. The suspect fired upon being discovered, striking Officer Mosomillo. Although lying on the floor and mortally wounded, Officer Mosomillo returned fire and killed the suspect before succumbing to his injuries.
• Police Officer Gerard Carter - While on patrol in a Staten Island housing development, Police Officer Carter observed a suspect wanted for a recent homicide. As Officer Carter and his partner drove toward the suspect's vehicle, the suspect opened fire, striking Officer Carter through the windshield. Officer Carter's partner, Police Officer Eric Storch, was able to return fire from the passenger seat. Officer Carter succumbed to his wounds five days later, on July 31, 1998.

The New York City Police Department Combat Cross is the second highest honor awarded by the Department. The Combat Cross is granted to members of the service who successfully and intelligently perform an act of extraordinary heroism while engaged in personal combat with an armed adversary under circumstances of imminent personal hazard to life. The Police Department awarded 17 Combat Crosses today.

The New York City Police Department Medal for Valor is conferred upon police officers for outstanding acts of personal bravery at imminent hazard to life, or for outstanding community service. The Police Department awarded 27 Medals for Valor today.