Printer Friendly Format
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24, 2002
PR-276-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND POLICE COMMISSIONER
RAYMOND W. KELLY DEDICATE MEMORIAL PLAQUE TO TWO
FALLEN OFFICERS OF TRANSIT DISTRICT 4


Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today dedicated a memorial plaque to Police Officers Mark J. Ellis and Ramon Suarez, who were among the 23 NYPD officers who died during the attacks on the World Trade Center. Officers Ellis and Suarez were partners at Transit District 4 in Manhattan. The Mayor and Commissioner presided over the ceremony at Transit District 4 Headquarters in the Union Square subway station.

"Officers Ellis and Suarez valiantly dedicated their lives to serving and protecting the people of New York City," Mayor Bloomberg said. "Prior to their heroic efforts on September 11th, these two officers helped make riding the subway safer than ever, reducing crime to unprecedented levels in our City's history. We are forever indebted to Officer Ellis and Officer Suarez for their lifetime commitment to their fellow New Yorkers and their courage as members of New York's and the world's Finest."

"Ray Suarez and Mark Ellis were not only partners, they also shared an intense devotion to the duties of being New York City police officers," Commissioner Kelly said. On September 11th, they responded to the worst crisis in the City's history the same way they responded to every challenge: with courage, with expedience, and with perfect professionalism. For their immense valor, I can think of no officers more deserving of this memorial plaque than these fallen heroes. They gave everything they had to save thousands of lives. We will do more than remember them; we will strive to continue their legacy of courage and honor."

Upon learning of the attacks, Officers Ellis and Suarez commandeered a cab and raced downtown to help people escape from the World Trade Center. Their remains were later identified during the recovery effort. Officer Suarez, a 14-year member of the NYPD and a recipient of the Excellent Police Duty Medal, which recognizes officers for their efforts in specific arrests, was 45 years old. Officer Ellis, a 4-year member of the NYPD and a recipient of several Excellent Police Duty Medals, was 26 years old.

 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler / Jerry Russo
(212) 788-2958