Dozens of New Yorkers, including members of the NYPD and their families, gathered in Rosedale on Tuesday to remember a brave officer who made the ultimate sacrifice for his community last year.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, along with other dignitaries, held a memorial service at the recently opened 116th Precinct to remember slain NYPD Det. Jonathan Diller, 31, who was shot to death during a traffic stop in Far Rockaway on March 25, 2024.
“Just over four months ago, we stood here to celebrate the opening of this new command. It was a moment to think big, to think about how we police better, smarter, faster, and to think about how we build for the long-term safety of our neighborhoods,” Tisch said. “But today, we are reminded that some things don’t change, the courage it takes to wear this uniform, the grit it takes to do this work, and the nobility of policing. That’s what Det. First Grade Jonathan Diller represented.”
Tisch described the courageous scene when Diller, even after being shot and mortally wounded, fought to get the gun out of his killer’s hand to protect his team.
A plaque to Diller was unveiled during the service and now stands strong at the new station house, which opened on Dec. 18.
“And that’s what we mean when we talk about the mobility of policing, not just putting on the uniform, but honoring what it stands for every minute we can wear it. Jonathan honored it,” Tisch said. “He gave everything for it, and now his name will live on this command.”
Diller, whose family attended the service, was a three-year member of the NYPD’s Critical Response Team. A husband and father, he was conducting a vehicle stop and was shot in the abdomen by suspect Guy Rivera, who has since been charged with attempted murder.
Queens District Attorney, Melinda Katz said at the service that Rivera, who is in custody, faces life in prison and will be “held accountable” at his next hearing.
Diller’s widow, Stephanie, said her late husband brought joy to so many people and made them smile. He even said “I love you” to so many people he knew, she shared.
“I hope when you see all these beautiful memorials of him that you remember that camaraderie, that you remember to support each other, to make each other laugh, to have each other’s backs, to make work enjoyable,” she told the crowd.
Jon Ledecky, co-owner of the New York Islanders hockey team, of which Diller was a fan, was also in attendance
“May this memorial that we’re unveiling today and uniforms upstairs, including an Islanders uniform, which we’re so incredibly honored to be part of, be a source of comfort and a lasting celebration of a true hero, you will always be a cherished member of our islanders family,” he said. “And may Detective Diller’s bravery and sacrifice continue to inspire all of us.”
