Here is a reminder of a tragic incident. Hopefully the street sign will help console the police officer’s, family and friends.
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At the request of Council Member Oliver Koppell, on February 29, 2012 the Council approved the co-naming of the Southwest corner of East Mosholu Parkway North and Webster Avenue as “Police Officer Eric Hernandez Memorial Corner.”
Police Officer Eric Hernandez, 24 years old and a member of the 52nd Precinct, died on January 28, 2006 after being assaulted by six men at a White Castle restaurant in the Bronx while off-duty and subsequently shot by a fellow police officer in a tragic case of mistaken identity.
Detective Marie Shea (Retired 52nd PCT) championed the co-naming of the corner, on which the 52ndPrecinct is located, collecting numerous letters and hundreds of signatures in support of dedicating this area to the memory of P.O. Hernandez as a lasting tribute to his decency and courage. “Eric brought out the best in people, he put smiles on faces and he had a warmth about him that you don’t see in many officers during their tour of duty. I am proud to have served with him” Detective Shea said.
Police Officer David Alvarado, P.O. Hernandez’s partner said “Eric was very charismatic. He had a great personality. He was always willing to go out of his way to help others. He was respectful, patient and kind. Everyone loved him. I believe that Eric’s character and life was a great reflection of how any police officer’s should be.”
Police Officer Marc Rios, a 14 -year veteran of the NYPD said, “Eric was not just a good cop but a great friend. He distinguished himself very early in his short career. His integrity and character were well received by the community. Everyone with whom Eric interacted always left feeling better about themselves and the NYPD, even those whom he arrested. No matter the reason for needing the help of a police officer, the community felt they were treated with patience, respect and genuine empathy.”
Koppell said, “Co-naming the street corner on which the 52nd Precinct is located in honor of Police Officer Eric Hernandez, who died too young under such tragic circumstances, will serve to preserve his memory and be a reminder to the community of his dedicated service.”
2 comments:
Thank you for writing this. Just one correction: Eric was beaten & shot on January 28, 2006 and later lost the fight for his life on February 8, 2006. He is obviously loved and missed greatly by all of his family & friends.
We love and miss Eric every single day, when he died a part of us left with him. I will always cherish every day we had him in our lives always and forever. Jersey Ma Barbie
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