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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 06, 2002
PR- 288-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND POLICE COMMISSIONER RAYMOND W. KELLY DEDICATE MEMORIAL PLAQUE TO FALLEN OFFICERS ROBERT FAZIO AND MOIRA SMITH

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today dedicated a memorial plaque to Police Officers Robert Fazio and Moira Smith, who were among the 23 NYPD officers who died during the attacks on the World Trade Center.  In addition, Deputy Inspector Patrick J. McCarthy, the Commanding Officer of the 13th Precinct, presented plaques to five Port Authority Police Officers who helped recover the remains of Officers Fazio and Smith.  The Mayor and Commissioner presided over the ceremony at the 13th Precinct in Manhattan.

“Officers Fazio and Smith served their fellow New Yorkers with the utmost professionalism and valor during their years at the NYPD,” Mayor Bloomberg said.  “Today, we memorialize their dedication and bravery, and we express our gratitude for their heroic and selfless acts on September 11th and throughout their distinguished careers as members of the world’s greatest Police Department.”

“On September 11, 2001, Moira Smith and Robert Fazio exhibited the kind of courage and honor that has made the New York City Police Department the finest law enforcement agency in the world,” Commissioner Kelly said.  “We will never forget the tremendous sacrifice these officers made to save hundreds of lives, nor the strength they showed in the face of the worst attack in our nation's history.  These plaques will forever remind us of their valor, and will stand always for our commitment to continue their legacy of heroism.”

Upon learning of the attacks, Officers Fazio and Smith raced downtown and helped hundreds of people escape the World Trade Center.  Their remains were later identified during the recovery effort.  Officer Fazio joined the Police Department in 1984, and served in many commands, including 15 years at the 13th Precinct. He was a recipient of the Meritorious Police Duty Award and earned three medals for Excellent Police Duty.  Officer Smith joined the Police Department in 1988, serving in the Transit Bureau before transferring to the 13th Precinct in 1996.  During her career, she was awarded two medals for Excellent Police Duty.  Officer Fazio was 41; Officer Smith was 38.  The following members of the Port Authority Police were honored for helping recover the remains of Officers Fazio and Smith: Officer Ed Benanti, Officer Bill Barry, Officer Tony DeMeri, Lieutenant Bill Keegan, and Lieutenant John Ryan.  Officer Sean Murphy, who also assisted in the recovery efforts, was not present at the ceremony.


 

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  Michael O’Looney  ( NYPD )
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