The New York City Police Department this week is joining with all New Yorkers, who are taking time to remember those lost in recent incidents of homicide and gun violence.
Waves of shootings in our city have destroyed too many lives, killing our friends and loved ones, our neighbors and co-workers, classmates and fellow parishioners. A 1-year-old Brooklyn boy was shot to death in his stroller by a bullet not meant for him. A teenager headed to college was struck down when gunfire broke out on a Bronx street where he was attending a birthday barbecue.
It is the mission of the men and women of the New York Police Department to protect life. So this week we stand with all of those who have suffered losses and who are marking this national moment of reflection by calling for an end to the kind of senseless violence that tears at the fabric of our society.
“Together with all of our city’s communities, we are working hard every day to put all of our combined energy into stopping crime, protecting lives and promoting healing,” said NYPD Chief of Community Affairs Jeffrey Maddrey, who is organizing the NYPD’s day of Remembrance activities. “This week, as people across the country pause to reflect on the toll that gun violence has wrought, we reinforce our commitment to the values we share with all we serve: safety, fairness, opportunity, compassion and strength.”
Beginning today, the Department will promote testimonials from those who know firsthand how crime and shootings can lead to incomprehensible grief. A parent. A clergy leader. An emergency room doctor. An eyewitness to murder. A school teacher.
“Each person impacted by murder carries a powerful message: We can never stop fighting the scourge of illegal guns, shootings and crime in our streets,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. “The NYPD is here every day with all of our communities, standing together for a safe and just society.”
On Friday, Chief Maddrey, our Community Affairs officers and other NYPD leaders, together with our Ceremonial Unit will gather with survivors of recent violence in New York to remember and honor the memories of those lost and to look forward, with one another, in a moment of support. Please join us in promoting public awareness about the unacceptable impact of violence and the efforts to stop it.
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