Detective Honors Father’s Legacy

A newly promoted detective in New York City is stepping into a significant legacy. Joe Viviano, 32, serves in the NYPD’s elite emergency services unit and proudly wears shield number 4511—just like his father did decades ago.

“Now I get to wear my dad’s shield number,” Joe shared at his promotional ceremony on Friday.

His father, a detective with ESU Truck 2, tragically lost his life during the September 11 attacks when Joe was only eight years old.

Additionally, his father’s FDNY brother, John, also died in the same attack.

Joe often reflects on how their family came together after the horrific events. His mother, Cathy, remembered her husband fondly, saying, “He went to work and never came home.” They first met while working in Brooklyn’s 75th District.

Now, she remarks, “My son Joe wears his father’s detective shield and does the same job his father did.” This notion of following in his father’s footsteps has been a source of comfort and strength for Joe, as the members of the ESU supported his family through their grief.

“It was definitely the camaraderie I saw when my father passed away,” Joe noted. “The 75th District and the Emergency Services Unit really took my family in.” He joined the division eight years ago and has been stationed at Emergency Truck 7 in Brooklyn since then.

Joe is not alone in his commitment to service; his brother John serves in the Marines, while another brother, James, is also part of the NYPD. The family continues to support each other, exemplified by their quick response last year when the police brothers saved a man shot in Brooklyn.

During the promotional ceremony, Joe celebrated with his family, including his mother, his wife Jenny, and his three-year-old son, Joseph, named after his courageous grandfather.

When asked what he thinks his father would feel about his achievements, Joe replied, “More importantly, I think he’d be proud of my family, my wife and son. They’re amazing.”