Vigil and Prayer for Critically Injured Irvington Officer

Marked and unmarked police cars formed a solid ring around Westchester Medical Center's grass oval Wednesday, as fellow officers, friends and family congregated in support of Irvington officer Luigi Osso.

Since April 21, Osso, 31, has remained in critical condition in the Valhalla hospital after 16-year-old Brian Sabia crashed an allegedly stolen car into Osso's vehicle on Main Street in Irvington. Sabia is scheduled to appear before a Westchester County Grand Jury Friday, but Irvington Police are more concerned with the health of their friend and colleague.

"It is very difficult to see this happen to one of your own—and it's especially difficult to see how it affects his family," said Irvington officer Ed Vize, who was largely responsible for planning the vigil. "Luigi's accident definitely hits close to home; we all know it could have been any one of us."

After undergoing multiple surgeries, Osso is still considered to be in critical condition, but Irvington Police remain hopeful he will make a full recovery, said department spokesman Sgt. Michael Foley.

Although the accident occurred more than a month ago, Vize said Wednesday's vigil was held as a demonstration of local law enforcement's support of Osso and his family.

"We wanted to show his wife Maria and the rest of Louie's family that we still have his back," Vize said. 

Representatives from numerous police departments throughout Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties attended the service—including nearly every member of the Irvington Police Department.

"Tarrytown Police are covering for us tonight," said Irvington's Det. Kevin Johnson. "These are considered to be extenuating circumstances."

But in the midst of tragedy, officers have been motivated and humbled by the amount of support residents have shown for an officer who was nearly killed while protecting their community.

 Local activist Madeline Billings spearheaded an effort to create bracelets and magnets to raise funds for Osso's family and Det. Ben Fontanilles of the Greenburgh Department created a Facebook group in Osso's honor, which now has nearly 3,000 members.

"Just after the accident, I started a group called, 'Thoughts and Prayers for Irvington Police Officer Luigi Osso,'"  Fontanilles said. "People constantly post thoughtful and moving messages for Louie and his family."

Recently, police have used the group successfully to promote a blood drive, and Fontanilles is almost certain that a large number of those present at the vigil were alerted of the event by a message posted on the Facebook page. 

Once the sun set Wednesday evening, Irvington officers distributed candles and directed the crowd to form a semi-circle surrounding a small speaker's platform.

Vize spoke first, thanking everyone who continues to sop by the Irvington Police Station to inquire about Osso's condition and expressing his gratitude for the community's unwavering support.

Father Raymond Byrne of Irvington's Immaculate Conception Church presided over the prayer service, saying, "Through our hopes and prayers, we certainly hope Luigi is going to get well."

Byrne then lit Maria Osso's candle only, imploring everyone to be patient and "let Maria's light spread out and come to you."

Vize closed the ceremony, solemnly thanking everyone who attended.

"By doing what you have done," he said, "you have shown what community is all about."