New York City on Tuesday dedicated a new memorial wall at One Police Plaza to honor the 23 NYPD officers who died at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, as well as hundreds of other members who have since died from illnesses connected to their work during the rescue and recovery efforts.
During the ceremony, Chief of Department Michael LiPetri emphasized that the legacy of those who responded to the attacks continues to influence the department. "We inherit their lessons, their example, and eventually it becomes our responsibility to pass those things forward," LiPetri stated.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported that the NYPD has lost more than 469 members to illnesses linked to their service following the attacks. Additionally, LiPetri noted that over 1,700 members have retired with World Trade Center-related disabilities. "We are still losing members to illnesses caused by their service after the attacks," LiPetri said. "All these years later, we are still standing with families as they bury loved ones whose lives were forever changed by the work they did after Sept. 11."
Mayor Zohran Mamdani recounted the story of Officer John William Perry, who was preparing to leave the NYPD for a career in law when the first plane struck the North Tower. Perry retrieved his shield and immediately went to the World Trade Center. Mamdani described Perry as being confronted with "unimaginable suffering" but continuing to act with "immense bravery and courage." He was last seen helping a woman from the South Tower before returning to the collapsing structure. Officer Perry and 22 fellow officers, including 14 from the emergency service unit, were killed that morning.
Mamdani highlighted how the spirit of service continues within the department, noting that sons of officers Ronnie Klopfer and Joseph Viviano are now serving as members of the NYPD. "Every officer present that day embodied the NYPD’s creed that the duty to protect is not a job that one clocks out of, but a calling," Mamdani remarked. "One answers until the very end."
Chief Chaplain Reverend R. Bernard reflected on the lasting impact of the day, stating, "Sept. 11 did not end on Sept. 11. For many, the costs continued for years, illness endured, families impacted and lives ultimately lost."
Tisch pointed out the growing importance of preserving the memories of those lost as the generation that responded to 9/11 begins to retire. She noted that while the faces within the department will change, the names and examples of those honored will continue to shape the NYPD. "The faces in this building will be different, but these names will still be here," Tisch said. "The example of the men and women behind them will continue to shape the department."