Remarks of Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill at the Battery Park City Police Memorial Wall Ceremony
October 12, 2018
Good morning, everyone. Thank you all for being here. This is one of the most important ceremonies we hold in the NYPD, because it's another opportunity for us to celebrate the lives of our dedicated heroes and to renew our promise to their loved ones — that we will never forget their service — or their sacrifice.
Every year, we hope this ceremony won't be necessary, and that we won't need to add another single name to this memorial wall. But the reality of our profession is far different. We're saddened — but not surprised — given the nature of what we do.
So today, we're back here, just like we were last year, and every year since this memorial was dedicated nearly 21 years ago. And today we add another 43 members of the NYPD to the wall.
Each of the 904 names inscribed here represents a unique life, lived among family, friends, and colleagues. They are sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, husbands, and wives. They came from different backgrounds and cultural traditions, but they all have at least one thing in common: Their lives were spent, and ultimately ended, in service to this great city, and the people they cared so deeply about.
They knew it was possible that their service could be immortalized on this wall — every cop knows it, and so do their families. But they swore an oath and served anyway. They knew the risks every time they chose to run toward the danger, while everyone else was running away.
But they did it anyway. Why? Because that's what cops do. It's an enormous responsibility, and police officers bear it with pride, courage, and conviction.
As difficult as this can be on our loved ones, and as painful as the sacrifices truly are, the people of New York City rely on us. The people we serve need us.
So, this police department will continue to fulfill our commitment to them, and we will also fulfill our commitment to you: the families and colleagues who carry on the tremendous legacies of all those we've lost. Thank you for sharing these remarkable men and women with us, and for your courage through extended illnesses and loss.
Today, we offer you again our deepest condolences and our solemn pledge to cherish and to uphold the memories of your loved ones for all time. Memorials like this can never fill the void left by these brave men and women. But that's not why we're here. Instead, this wall ensures that we will always remember. And, perhaps even more importantly, it ensures that future generations take the time to learn who these heroes were and what they did for our city and its people.
These officers are a part of a rich tradition of service — a police family whose lineage stretches back 173 years. And they — and you — will always be part of our NYPD family.
That's why we'll be back here again and again — to honor their memories, to uphold their legacies, and to celebrate their lives. And as we continue the essential work of these heroic men and women, they live on in each and every one of us. We'll work hard every day to live up to the example you and your loved ones have set.
I'd like to thank all the men and women wearing the blue uniform that are here this morning, and all of those that have come before us. You have transformed this city. This is a far different city than it was 25 years ago. And it's that way because of the work that you do — and the work we do with all 8.6 million New Yorkers.
So thanks everyone for being here. And, like I said, I hope we don't have to come back here again. But I know we will, because that's the nature of what we do.
Thank you very much.