Contact: Colleen Roche/Matthew Higgins (212) 788-2958
"I congratulate the New York State Senate for passing the Police Officer Vincent Guidice Memorial Act on Tuesday, January 26. I now urge the Assembly to also pass this important legislation, which seeks to amend section 125.20 of the Penal Law to add a new subdivision to the crime of Manslaughter in the first degree. This legislation would establish the appropriate punishment for anyone who recklessly or negligently causes the death of a police officer, peace officer, firefighter or emergency medical technician. These brave men and women put their lives on the line everyday to protect the public. In order to do their jobs effectively, they must be reasonably assured that the law provides a deterrence to those who would commit criminal acts which could result in their death. The welfare or our citizens is equally at issue, since their safety and well-being depends upon the ability of public servants to perform their duties unfettered by criminal acts of interference.
"The tragic circumstances that led to New York City Police Officer Vincent Guidice's death sadly illustrates the pressing need for this legislation. Officer Guidice died from injuries he sustained after falling on a shard of glass while struggling with a perpetrator as he tried to make an arrest in a domestic violence case, but his killer was charged only with a class D felony. Had this legislation been in effect on May 22, 1996, when Officer Guidice died, his killer would have been charged with a class B felony, with a possible prison sentence of 25 years.
"We must send a strong message to those who impede lawful authority that they will be held liable for all of the consequences of their illegal conduct. Accordingly, I urge the Assembly to pass this bill without delay."