On Saturday, city officials fulfilled a promise to keep the memory of a September 11 hero alive by renaming the intersection of Madison Avenue and 101st Street after NYPD Officer John William Perry. The dedication ceremony took place on the Upper East Side, where Perry’s sister Janice Perry Montoya and brother Joel Perry unveiled the new street sign.
Remembering a self‑less officer
Officer Perry was the last of the 23 police officers whose deaths were confirmed in the 2001 attacks. Though he was assigned to a precinct in the Bronx, he was on his day off when the tragedy unfolded. He reported to police headquarters, learned of the emergency, and sprinted ahead of a crowd of responders to the World Trade Center site.
“I knew my brother would be there if something serious happened,” Janice said, recalling the family’s certainty that John would answer the call of duty. “He ran to Ground Zero without hesitation, even though it was his day off.”
A family’s enduring grief
The Perry family still feels the loss 25 years later. Joel Perry described the pain as “the greatest pain I ever experienced in my life” and admitted he broke down recently when reflecting on his brother’s sacrifice. The family’s emotional testimony underscored why the city’s tribute matters so deeply.
Officer Perry’s legacy beyond the badge
In addition to his service as a police officer, John William Perry was a practicing lawyer, embodying a commitment to both public safety and the rule of law. He was also an avid runner, often jogging near Central Park, which makes the location of the renamed street especially fitting.
The new street sign now stands near Central Park, a place where Perry frequently ran, symbolizing his love for the city he protected. The dedication ceremony was attended by city officials, members of the NYPD, and local residents who gathered to honor his memory.
Why street renamings matter
Renaming streets after fallen heroes is a longstanding New York tradition that helps keep their stories visible in everyday life. Each time a driver or pedestrian passes the sign, they are reminded of the sacrifice made by individuals like Officer Perry. The gesture also reinforces the city’s commitment to honoring those who gave their lives in service to the community.
Mayor Eric Adams, who was present at the ceremony, praised Perry’s bravery and said the dedication reflects New York’s enduring gratitude toward first‑responders. “We will never forget the courage of officers like John William Perry,” Adams said. “Their legacy lives on in the streets they helped protect and in the hearts of New Yorkers everywhere.”
Community response
Local residents expressed pride in the tribute, noting that the Upper East Side’s historic streets now carry a new layer of meaning. Many shared personal stories of how the events of September 11 shaped their own lives, reinforcing the collective memory that the city strives to preserve.
The renaming also serves as a reminder of the importance of family, faith, and freedom—values that the HyperLocal Loop holds dear. As the city moves forward, honoring heroes like Officer Perry helps strengthen the bonds that make neighborhoods resilient and united.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
