At Officer Jonathan Diller's funeral today, the New York City police commissioner promoted him to Detective.
I've seen this done before for officers slain in the line of duty. It is a kind gesture, an honor well deserved by the murdered officer, but honestly--does it help all that much?
Stephanie Diller, the young widow left to raise a one-year-old baby alone, is bereft of her husband. His infant son will know his father only by photos, stories, and a shiny new detective's badge that bears his own birthdate. This baby boy will never benefit from his father's loving presence as he grows up.
There is plenty of blame to go around at every level of New York leadership for this tragic circumstance, but I'll leave it at that. Rest in peace, Officer Diller. And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
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| Posthumous Detective badge for Officer Jonathan Diller |
