Contact: Sunny Mindel/ Edward Skyler (212) 788-2958
Marilyn Mode (NYPD) (212) 374-6700
Name of Fallen Officer Matthew Dziergowski Added to Memorial Wall
"The Memorial Wall in One Police Plaza now has another name gracing its face," Mayor Giuliani said. "As solemn an event as Memorial Day is, it is crucial that we honor the memory of the New York Police Department's fallen heroes, so that we never forget the sacrifice these heroes made to protect the people of New York City. We should remember their bravery and courage when we are inside and outside these walls."
Police Commissioner Safir said, "On this wall are the names of ordinary men and women who offered this City simply extraordinary gifts. They made it their mission to protect the people of New York City from harm, and they remained undeterred in the pursuit of that goal, even when the cost was their own lives. Today, we add Police Officer Matthew Dziergowski's name to the Memorial Wall. As we do so, we renew our pledge to his wife Maria, to his family, and to all the families of all other members whose names so proudly adorn this symbol of honor. We pledge to you - their families- that we will always hold their memories close to our hearts."
Officer Dziergowski was killed in the line of duty on February 14, 1999. While on assignment in Staten Island's 123rd Precinct, he was handling a vehicle accident on the West Shore Expressway when a car collided with his patrol car. Officer Dziergowski, a 16 year-veteran of the NYPD, was 38 years old when he died and left behind a wife, Maria, and two sons, Daniel and Matthew.
The annual Memorial Day ceremony is held to honor members of the Police Department who lost their lives in the line of duty during the previous year. Families of deceased members and representatives of the NYPD's fraternal organizations attend to pay their respects to the fallen officers. With today's ceremony, there are now 589 names lining One Police Plaza's lobby.