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Family Day in Jamaica

The sixth annual Detective Keith Williams Park Family Day celebration was held recently as hundreds of Queens residents, young and old, enjoyed a fun-filled event featuring entertainment, health screenings, rides and food.
In addition to a BBQ extravaganza, Family Day featured numerous rides and attractions, such as the Black Cowboy Federation and music by WBLS.
“Family Day is an opportunity to celebrate the special bonds that exists between parents and their children,” said Councilmember Leroy Comrie. “For parents, Family Day presents an opportunity to spend time with their children, reaffirm their values and to send a message that we are taking a stand in support of family — the foundation of our community.”
Detective Keith L. Williams (1954-1989) was born and raised in Jamaica. He attended Jamaica High School, where he played varsity basketball for four years, and Long Island University in Brooklyn. He began his career in the Department of Corrections, where he worked until his appointment to the New York City Police Academy in 1981. Williams served in Bushwick’s 83rd Precinct and the Public Morals divisions in South Brooklyn and Queens. He was promoted to detective in 1987 and assigned to the Queens District Attorney’s Squad.
Williams was a dedicated officer and citizen and started the Keith Roundball Classics, a basketball tournament held in the then-Liberty Park, which now bears his name. He also sponsored an after-school program at P.S. 116.
He was killed on November 13, 1989, while transporting a prisoner from court to Riker’s Island.
He received two Excellent Police Duty citations and was honored posthumously with the Medal of Honor in 1990.