New York City – During a solemn dedication at One Police Plaza, NYPD Chief of Department Michael LiPetri unveiled a new memorial wall honoring the 23 officers who perished at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, as well as the many members who have since succumbed to illnesses linked to their heroic service.
Legacy of sacrifice guides today’s officers
LiPetri told the assembled crowd, “None of us gets here alone. Whatever rank we reach, whatever command we lead, we are standing on the foundations other people built.” He emphasized that the lessons and example set by the 9/11 heroes are a responsibility passed down through every generation of NYPD personnel.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reminded attendees that the department has lost more than 469 members to illnesses directly connected to their service after the attacks. An additional 1,700 officers have retired with World Trade Center‑related disabilities. “We are still losing members to illnesses caused by their service after the attacks,” LiPetri said, noting the ongoing impact on families who continue to mourn loved ones.
Personal stories of bravery
Mayor Zohran Mamdani highlighted the story of Officer John William Perry, who was about to resign and begin a law career when the first plane struck the North Tower. Perry rushed to the scene, helped a woman out of the South Tower, and returned to the flames to rescue others. He and 22 fellow officers, including 14 members of the Emergency Service Unit, were killed that morning.
The ceremony also recognized the sons of fallen officers Ronnie Klopfer and Joseph Viviano, who now serve in the NYPD. Their fathers’ legacy lives on through a lacrosse team founded by Klopfer before the attacks, a team that continues to compete with the next generation of officers.
Continuing the call to protect
Chief Chaplain Rev. A.R. Bernard reminded the audience that “Sept. 11 did not end on Sept. 11.” The physical and emotional costs extended for years, affecting families and the department alike. Tisch added that many current officers were children on 9/11, while others were not yet born, underscoring the importance of preserving these memories as the original responders retire.
“The faces in this building will be different, but these names will still be here,” Tisch said. “The example of the men and women behind them will continue to shape the department.”
Looking ahead
The memorial wall serves as a tangible reminder that the NYPD’s duty to protect is more than a job—it is a calling that transcends generations. As the department moves forward, LiPetri affirmed that the commitment to honor and learn from the past will remain central to the NYPD’s mission.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
