A daughter is marking the seven-year anniversary of the death of her mother, Detective Miosotis Familia, who was killed in the line of duty.
“My mom was my person and when she died, when she was killed and taken from us - a part of me died, too," said Genesis Villella, Familia's daughter.
Villella says the Fourth of July will never be the same for their family.
“The last day I ever saw my mom was the Fourth of July, which is one of her favorite holidays to celebrate,” said Villella.
Villella was 20 years old when she adopted her brother and sister following her mother's death. Her twin siblings are now 19 years old.
“Peter and Delilah are now, they're in college. They have just finished their freshman year, and now they're interning,” said Villella.
Villella says she is still advocating to pass a bill to allow her and her siblings access to her mother’s pension.
The current law says children of slain officers only receive pension benefits until they are 23 then they are cut off.
“Surviving spouses and surviving parents, you know, are taken care of legislatively. And, you know, the orphans. So the children with no parents had never been considered.” said Villella.
Villella says she is grateful people have not forgotten her mother’s sacrifice. And says she sees people pray over her mother’s mural day after day.
A memorial is set to happen at the 46th Precinct on Friday to mark the anniversary of her mother's death.
Villella also created a scholarship in her mother's honor, awarded to students who demonstrate a passion in pursuing a career in law enforcement, and also exhibit the qualities of a future exemplary NYPD police officer.