Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today honored 31 members of the NYPD for bravery and heroism at the NYPD's 2004 Medal Day ceremony by awarding two Medals of Honor, two Purple Shields, eight Police Combat Crosses, and 19 Medals of Valor. Family members of the honorees joined the Mayor and Commissioner at One Police Plaza for the ceremony.

"Today we honor the true heroes of the NYPD who protect their fellow New Yorkers each and every day with extraordinary bravery and dedication." said Mayor Bloomberg. "It is because of them and their fellow police officers that our crime rate continues to drop to levels not seen since the 1960's and that New York City remains the safest big City in America. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I would like to congratulate today's honorees for their outstanding courage, and to also thank all of New York's Finest for their unwavering commitment to protecting our City."

"These awards spotlight the finest of 'The Finest,'" said Commissioner Kelly. "The brave officers we honor here today put their duty in front of all else, including in some cases their own lives, in order to protect the members of the community and their fellow officers. Their actions reflect positively on every member of the Department through their courage and commitment. I am proud to serve with them and thank each and every honoree for the example they set."

The NYPD first awarded the Medal of Honor in 1871. Since then, the NYPD has also recognized the extraordinary performance of duty by presenting the Police Combat Cross, the NYPD's second highest honor, and the Medal of Valor, the NYPD's third highest honor. The Purple Shield was first awarded in 1995 to reflect meritorious service where serious injury or death was incurred in the performance of duty.

Undercover Detectives Rodney J. Andrews and James V. Nemorin, who were murdered on March 10, 2003 while attempting to purchase illegal firearms, received Medals of Honor, the Police Department's highest award. Purple Shield awards were given to Police Officer Disdale O. Enton, who died on Wednesday, August 27, 2002, from a brain aneurysm that he suffered while chasing a domestic abuse suspect; and Retired Police Officer Isabelle Redman, who was seriously injured in a car accident while in vehicle pursuit on October 31, 1993 forcing her to retire from the NYPD on disability in May 1996.

This year, eight officers received the Police Combat Cross, which recognizes courage and heroism during personal combat with an armed adversary, and 19 officers received the Medal of Valor, which recognizes personal bravery in the face of imminently dangerous or life-threatening situations. Finally, Unit Citations were awarded to ten commands.

Unit Citations
79th Precinct, 114th Precinct, Midtown Precinct North, Patrol Borough Bronx Anti-Crime Unit, Transit District 1, Highway District, Counter Terrorism Bureau, Intelligence Division, Medical Division, Organized Crime Investigation Division.