Tuckahoe Honors Fallen Police Officers

Members of the Tuckahoe community came together to honor the memory of those police officers who gave their lives to serve and protect the Village, at the annual memorial ceremony on Saturday morning. 

The ceremony, which took place at Village Hall, opened with a welcome by Sgt. David Bank, who coordinated the event, followed by the singing of the national anthem by Kristyn Pettit. 

Tuckahoe police chief John Costanzo also spoke, reflecting on his trip to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C.

"The Memorial honors federal, state and local law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our nation and its people," he said, "Carved on these walls are the names of more than 18,600 officers who have been killed in the line of duty throughout U.S. history, dating back to the first known death in 1792."

He continued, "I even kept a name of someone on the wall and etched it on paper so I will never forget. We must take the time to respect, honor, and remember those who paid the price."

Fellow officers in the Tuckahoe precinct made a touching tribute to Officer Fred Cioffi, who, in the line of duty last May, was critically injured by a tractor-trailer.  

"It's great to see our brother back in blue. You cannot repay him for his motivated type of service and we recognize the sacrifice that our brother has made," said Sgt Bank.

Other speakers included Congresswomen Nita Lowey. Various local politicians were also present, including John Fitzpatrick, the Mayor of Tuckahoe, Anthony Colavita, Eastchester Town Supervisor, and Vito Pinto who represented County Executive Rob Astorino.

Many members of the local VFW posts in Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe helped, through the color guard or in the firing party, while others simply came to pause and pay their respects. 

"Regardless of whether you serve in a war like Vietnam, World War I or II, the Gulf War, or on the streets of America as a police officer, we are all one. We have to take the time to remember and reflect on the lives lost in the line of service," said Dominic Paciello of Eastchester.

The Tuckahoe Police Explorer Cadets, a group of high school students ages 14-18, under the direction of Sgt. Margaret Belles, were on hand to learn and help as well.

"It's important to take time to remember the people that passed on and paved the way for us (cadets)," said Alex Fitzpatrick, cadet and son of Mayor Fitzpatrick.

After the ceremony's benediction and closing, members of the police and community gathered for coffee and danishes, provided by Martine's Fine Bakery in Crestwood.