On Friday, New York’s brightest group was promoted. Some of them, like their own parents, carry on the legacy of departmental heroes.
Among those promoted at the ceremony was Francesca Mosomillo, 28, now a detective and daughter of Anthony Mosomillo, who was killed in 1998 while trying to arrest a drug dealer who was absent from court. .
“In 1998, Anthony was murdered by a career criminal who refused to return to prison,” NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban told a gathering at the police academy in Queens.
“Fatally wounded Anthony was able to fight back and protect his partner. And today his daughter turns in the white shield and becomes Detective Francesca Mosomillo.”
Mosomiro was given his father’s old police shield number 20316 on his badge.
Margaret, Francesca’s mother and Mosomiro’s widow, told the Post on Thursday that she was so excited about the promotion that she was close to tears.
“Francesca worked hard for this,” she said.
“I have cried many times over the past 26 years, but today’s tears are not sad tears, but happy tears.”
“Anthony would be so proud of her,” Margaret added.
Lieutenant Connor MacDonald was also promoted, but his father, Stephen MacDonald, was shot and paralyzed by a teenage boy in the line of duty in 1986.
“Stephen’s only hope was his son Connor,” Ms Cavan said.
“Until Stephen passed away from injury in 2017, he watched with pride as his son rose through the ranks in a department that was so important to both of them.Today we promote Conor to Captain. I’m honored.”
Connor was all smiles as he posed next to Kayvan with his promotion certificate. Her mother, Patty Ann MacDonald, said Thursday that her father would no doubt have shared that reaction.
“He had a big smile on his face when he was sworn in and when he was promoted to sergeant. He was so happy to be a police officer,” she said.
“When Connor got the captain’s shield, he was sure to light up.”
Connor is a fourth-generation New York City police officer.
His father lived for more than 30 years with the help of a ventilator after his injuries and died at age 59 after forgiving the gunman.
Patty Ann was pregnant with Connor when his father was shot.
“I’m so proud of Connor. I know how hard he worked for this,” she said.
Those promoted included relatives of Det. Jonathan Diller, a freshman who was recently killed in the line of duty.
Mr Caban said Mr Diller’s brother-in-law, Jonathan McCauley, was also promoted from police officer to specialist detective, and Mr Diller’s partner, Vekkash Kedna, was also given a similar promotion.
“There are so many stories of bravery among you this morning, and we honor the legacy of heroes who have died serving our city, like my brother-in-law, Officer Jonathan McCauley. There are some guys that continue to build, like freshman Jonathan Diller,” Caban said.
“He was appointed as a Specialist Detective this morning, along with Vekash Kedna, Jonathan’s partner on that fateful day. Congratulations to both of them.”
Following Diller’s death, McCauley posted a tribute on Facebook to his deceased relatives and brothers in blue.
“John, there are no words to describe how devastated we are by your loss,” he wrote. According to WABC.
“You were a good man and a great father, but that position was never filled. I vow to care for your son as if he were my own. For the rest of my life. For.”
Diller, a three-year veteran of the department and father of a 1-year-old boy, was shot and killed during a traffic stop in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens.
Kedna fired back, wounding the gunman.
Detective partner of Officer Rosa Rodriguez. Dennis Guerra, 38, who was killed in a 2014 illegal fire at Coney Island, has been promoted to second-class detective, Caban said.
The two officers were engulfed by smoke as they exited an elevator on the 13th floor of the housing project, and Guerra died from his injuries three days later.
Rodriguez was hospitalized for several weeks, but was later awarded the NYPD Medal of Honor, the department’s highest recognition.
“Rosa’s toughness and determination is an inspiration to everyone,” Caban said.
“And today, I am honored to promote her to Detective Second Class.”
“I couldn’t be more proud to serve as police chief at a moment like this,” the top officer said of all of the promotions.
“And in moments like this, we are reminded that the NYPD is the greatest police force in the world. And the reason is all of you. So congratulations again on this well-deserved recognition.”
