Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Thursday, October 21, 1999

Release #426-99

Contact: Sunny Mindel/ Edward Skyler (212) 788-2958



MAYOR GIULIANI DEDICATES ANTHONY MOSOMILLO MEMORIAL COURTS

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today dedicated the Anthony Mosomillo Memorial Courts in Brooklyn's Dyker Beach Park, in memory of the police officer who was killed in the line of duty. The Mayor was joined at today's ceremony by Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern, First Deputy Police Commissioner Patrick Kelleher, and relatives of Anthony Mosomillo, who helped unveil a sign bearing the courts' new name.

"Anthony Mosomillo sacrificed his life protecting the people of New York City," Mayor Giuliani said. "Now, Anthony's legacy will endure in the park where he played as a young boy. Like the police officers and citizens who were moved by Anthony's courage and dedication, the children of this neighborhood are sure to be inspired by this fitting tribute."

Deputy Commissioner Kelleher said, "This dedication will ensure that bravery, compassion, and dedication to duty that were personified by Police Officer Anthony Mosomillo will not be forgotten. In a world that is quick to attribute the title 'hero' to the ordinary, future generations will come to this park and learn what true courage is."

Anthony Mosomillo was born on January 30, 1962 and was raised in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn. In 1984, Anthony Mosomillo joined the New York City Police Department and served with distinction for more than 14 years in the 60th and 67th Precincts.

On May 28, 1998, Officer Mosomillo and his partner went to a basement apartment to execute a bench warrant. Acting on information they had developed, the officers found the male suspect hidden beneath a trap door in a rear closet. The suspect fired upon being discovered, striking Officer Mosomillo. Although lying on the floor and mortally wounded, Officer Mosomillo returned fire and killed the suspect before succumbing to his injuries. This past fall, Mayor Giuliani and Police Commissioner Howard Safir honored Officer Mosomillo by presenting his family with highest honor bestowed by the Police Department, the Medal of Honor.

The Anthony Mosomillo Memorial Courts are located on Bay Eighth Street and Cropsey Avenue, and feature basketball and handball courts. Legislation honoring Officer Mosomillo became law in July of 1999, when Mayor Giuliani signed Into. 471. The legislation was sponsored by Council Members Golden, Fiala, Ognibene and Oddo.



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