By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2024-12-06 02:16:54 | Updated at 2024-12-22 11:10:53
2 weeks ago
The grieving young widow of slain NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller was honored during Fox Nation’s Patriot Awards Thursday night – nine months after the fallen cop was shot dead approaching two ex-cons in a parked car in Queens.
Diller’s wife, Stephanie, 29, accepted the “Stephen Siller Black the Blue” award on behalf of her late husband from Fox News personality Judge Jeanine Pirro during the sixth annual event.
“It’s an honor to be here on behalf of my husband, Jonathan. Thank you. Tonight is especially special because I’m receiving this award from Stephen Siller and looking at Stephen, a man who also lost his father and is up here supporting us” Diller said during her acceptance speech.
“It gives me hope that my son will be okay, and although we suffered this tragedy, we will not live a tragic life, and we will live a life that supports the legacy and the spirit of who Jonathan was.”
“I know Jonathan is as proud as I am that in this room I’m sharing with Donald Trump,” she continued.
“I would like to thank Mr. President for supporting Jonathan’s story, for showing it’s okay to support our officers and that they are human beings that risk their lives for others, and for continuing his legacy and just supporting my family in a dark time in our life.”
The 31-year-old cop, who was a father to a one-year-old, was shot in the stomach during a routine traffic stop in Far Rockaway on March 25.
The three-year veteran of the NYPD had gone to check on a suspicious-looking Kia Soul when Guy Rivera, 34, with 21 arrests on his record, allegedly pulled out a pistol and opened fire, striking Diller just below his bulletproof vest.
Rivera’s accused cohort, Lindy Jones, 41, who’s been busted at least 14 times, was sitting behind the wheel of the car during the fatal slaying.
The slain cop was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was later posthumously promoted to the rank of detective.
The alleged gunman faces a maximum prison sentence of life without parole if he is convicted, while Jones could face up to 30 years behind bars.
The brutal killing renewed calls for Albany to revise its controversial bail reform laws, which many in law enforcement blame for recidivist crimes.
What to know about the fatal shooting of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller:
- Diller, 31, was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens, on March 25, 2024.
- Suspect Guy Rivera allegedly opened fire on Diller on Monday evening after the cop approached the vehicle Rivera was in for parking in front of a bus stop.
- Diller was shot once in the stomach below his bulletproof vest. The married father of a 1-year-old boy was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
- Rivera was wounded when Diller’s partner returned fire. The suspect has 21 prior arrests and was found to have a shiv stored in his rectum during the shooting — in apparent anticipation of being sent to jail again.
- Lindy Jones, the ex-con behind the wheel of the car during the shooting, was also arrested after a second gun was found in his car.
- Mayor Eric Adams has renewed his calls for Albany to address criminal recidivism following the shooting involving two suspects with lengthy criminal records.
Follow The Post’s complete coverage of fallen NYPD Officer Diller’s wake
Diller hopes that her husband’s tragic story will continue to resonate with people and serve as a reminder that police officers are also regular everyday people who risk their lives for their communities and families.
“I will always support every officer, every person who risked their lives. Thank you for remembering him,” she said during her speech.
“Please remember my face, my husband’s face. He’s in all of your spirits, all of your hearts. Thank you for everything that you’ve done for me. From the bottom of my heart.”
The annual event recognizes military veterans, first responders and other inspirational figures who put “America first.”
President-elect Donald Trump will also be honored during the event, accepting the “Patriot of the Year” award.
The Patriot Awards – hosted by Fox Nation star Sean Hannity – is being held at the Tilles Center for Performing Arts in Brookville, New York.
