Were you ever alone guarding a dangerous witness? Police Officer Edward Byrne Park honors the memory of a young officer who faced that very situation. Edward Byrne, just 22 years old, was assigned to protect a witness in a drug case in South Jamaica, Queens. It was a time when crime plagued the city, and South Queens was no exception. In the early morning hours of February 26, 1988, Byrne sat alone in his patrol car, a beacon of blue in a sea of darkness. He was parked outside the witness’s house when tragedy struck. Two men approached his car. One distracted him while the other, wielding a .38 caliber pistol, fatally shot Byrne five times in the head. The news of his murder sent shockwaves through the nation. People were horrified by the cold-blooded killing of this young officer, a man who had dedicated his life to protecting others. The incident became a symbol of the city’s struggle against lawlessness and violence. Today, Police Officer Edward Byrne Park stands as a testament to his sacrifice. It serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day. We remember Edward Byrne, a young man who gave his life in the line of duty, protecting a city in need.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to