Press Release Archives - 262-96

Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 11,1996

Release #262-96

Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972

MAYOR GIULIANI ATTENDS RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY FOR “LUIS R. LOPEZ PARK” IN STATEN ISLAND

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open “Luis R. Lopez Park” in Staten Island. The new park is named in honor of Detective Luis R. Lopez, a member of the Manhattan South Narcotics Division who was shot and killed during an undercover East Village ‘buy-and-bust’ operation on March 10, 1993. The Mayor was joined by Staten Island Borough President Guy Molinari, City Council Members Vito Fosella, John Fusco and Jerome X. O’Donovan, Police Commissioner Howard Safir and Parks Commissioner Henry Stern.

“When we lost Detective Lopez, we truly lost one of New York’s very finest,” said Mayor Giuliani. “Detective Lopez’s disarming smile and engaging personality made him an admired figure on Staten Island and in Manhattan South Narcotics. While his murder was a profound tragedy for our entire city, it had special resonance in Park Hill where he is still remembered for his determination to rid these streets of drugs.”

“It is only fitting that we gather today to dedicate this beautiful park to the memory of Detective Luis Lopez,” said Commissioner Safir. “When Staten Islanders visit this park they will always remember Detective Lopez for what he was, a loving husband, a caring father and an excellent police detective. As Police Commissioner, I am proud to be here as we name this park after one of New York’s finest.”

Commissioner Stern said, “This is a playground worthy of Detective Luis Lopez. It is a wonderful memorial to a dedicated officer.”

Funding for the park was provided by Staten Island Borough President Molinari. Located in the same neighborhood Officer Lopez formerly patrolled, it will include a basketball court, playground equipment, spray shower, and it will be equipped with security lighting.

Detective Luis Lopez was born in Honduras and resided in the West Brighton section of Staten Island. Lopez began his career in 1985 with the 120th Precinct and shortly thereafter earned the distinction as Staten Island’s Rookie Police Officer of the Year. In May of 1988, the Staten Island Advance named Lopez Police Officer of the Month, after he and his partner chased down two gunmen and seized more than three-quarters of an ounce of crack and two loaded firearms. The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce named him Police Officer of the Year in 1990. At the time of his death, Detective Lopez was working undercover as a narcotics investigator in the Manhattan South Narcotics Division.

Detective Lopez is survived by his wife, Nelli, his two children, Luis Jr. and Tina, his mother Lydia and a brother and sister, Carlos and Maura.