Here stands a testament to courage. This is the New York City Police Memorial Sculpture. It honors those who gave their lives in service.
The New York City Police Memorial is located at Liberty Street and South End Avenue. It was first dedicated on October 20, 1997.
Stuart Crawford designed this memorial. He won a competition. Water is the primary element. The wall displays names. These are the names of NYPD officers killed in the line of duty. Their death dates are also inscribed.
A small fountain represents a rookie’s first day. Water flows down a flume. It passes the granite wall. This symbolizes death. The water then falls into an open pool. This area around the pool is called the Sacred Precinct. Here contemplation is encouraged.
In 2022, the New York City Police Memorial was expanded. This honored additional officers. They made the ultimate sacrifice.
Another Police Memorial Statue exists. It is inside 1 Police Plaza. This statue was commissioned in 1939. It represents officers killed in the line of duty. It also honors the Honor Legion’s mission. The mission is to care for the children of fallen members.
Attilio Piccirilli sculpted it. He also sculpted the Lincoln Memorial in DC. The statue depicts a patrolman. He holds a child in one hand. He holds an American flag in the other. Mayor Fiorello La Guardia’s son, Eric, was the model for the child. Detective Martin J. Gillen Sr. modeled for the patrolman.
The original plan was to place it near the Firemen’s Monument. This is at West 100 St and Riverside Drive. World War II stopped progress. It was stored for about 15 years. Rumor says it was in the 42nd precinct’s garage. It was almost forgotten. Then, it was shipped to upstate New York.
It was placed at the Police Camp entrance. The Police Camp was in the Catskill Mountains. Police and their families vacationed there. The camp was sold in the 1980s. The statue was moved to the New York City Police Headquarters. It stands in the Hall of Heroes. It remains ever vigilant.
Remember the motto: Fidelis Ad Mortem. Faithful Unto Death. The New York City Police Memorial Sculpture. A place for reflection. A tribute to heroes.