The grieving young widow of slain NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller appeared on Fox Thursday night, nine months after a police officer was shot and killed after he collapsed after approaching two ex-convicts in a parked car in Queens. He was honored with the Nation's Patriot Award.
Diller's wife Stephanie, 29, accepted the “Steven Schiller Black the Blue” award on behalf of her late husband from Fox News personality judge Jeanine Pirro during the sixth annual event. .
“I'm honored to be here on behalf of my husband, Jonathan. Thank you. Tonight is especially special because I'm accepting this award from Stephen Schiller, who also lost his father and is here to support us. I look at Stephen in his honor,” Diller said in his acceptance speech.
“It gives me hope that my son will be okay. Despite this tragedy, we will not live a tragic life, but a life that upholds Jonathan's legacy and spirit.”
“I know that Jonathan, like me, is proud to be sharing this room with Donald Trump,” she continued.
“Thank you for supporting Jonathan's story and showing us that it's okay to support police officers, that they are human beings who put their lives on the line for others, and for continuing the president's legacy and supporting families in dark times.” I would like to thank you for supporting us in our lives. ”
The 31-year-old police officer, who was the father of a 1-year-old, was shot in the abdomen on March 25 during a routine traffic stop in Far Rockaway.
A three-year veteran of the New York City Police Department, he went to check on a suspicious-looking Kia Soul and found Guy Rivera, a 34-year-old suspect with 21 prior arrests. ) allegedly pulled out a pistol and fired, hitting Mr. Diller just below his bulletproof vest.
What you need to know about the shooting death of NYPD officer Jonathan Diller:
Follow The Post's complete coverage of the vigil for fallen NYPD officer Diller
Rivera's fellow defendant, Lindy Jones, 41, who has been arrested at least 14 times, was sitting behind the wheel of the car at the murder scene.
The slain officer was taken to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was posthumously promoted to detective.
If convicted, the suspects face up to life in prison without parole, and Jones could face up to 30 years in prison.
The brutal killing has renewed calls for the city of Albany to reform its controversial bail reform laws, which many law enforcement officials say are responsible for recidivism.
Diller hopes her husband's tragic story continues to resonate with people and remind them that police officers are just ordinary everyday people who risk their lives for their communities and families. I'm here.
“I will always support all police officers, all those who risked their lives. Thank you for remembering him,” she said in her speech.
“Remember my face, my husband's face. He is in all of your spirit, all of your heart. Thank you for everything you have done for me. From the bottom of my heart. ”
This annual event recognizes veterans, first responders, and others who inspire others who put “America First.”
President-elect Donald Trump will also be honored during the event and will receive the “Patriot of the Year” award.
The Patriot Awards, hosted by Fox Nation star Sean Hannity, will be held at the Till's Center for the Performing Arts in Brookville, New York.
