Today marks five years since NYPD Detective Miosotis Familia was shot and killed while sitting in her mobile command unit, just blocks away from the 46th Precinct. Familia would have turned 53 years old this year.
A
memorial Mass was held at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Tuesday to mark the
five-year anniversary of her death. Friends, family and officers gathered to remember Miosotis’
life and service.
It was just after midnight on July 5, 2017 when Familia was sitting in her command vehicle in Fordham Heights when 34-year-old Alexander Bond allegedly fired a handgun into her window.
The gunshot killed her instantly, and Bond was later killed in a confrontation with police when her partner called for backup.
Since that night, the community across New York City and the country have honored Familia. At the time of her death, she had served 12 years on the force. In 2018, the intersection outside of the 46th Precinct was co-named in her honor.
Her family has since started a foundation named after her to support children of fallen law enforcement officers.
A memorial Mass was held at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Tuesday to mark the five-year anniversary of her death.
“I feel my
mom every day,” said Genesis Villella, her daughter. “I get signs from her,
and I do think that my mom gave me the strength that I needed to do this
today.”
Genesis
says being a police officer was her mom's calling, and NYPD Commissioner
Keechant Sewell says she will always be remembered.
“We can
never let anyone forget what this job can cost nor the selflessness and bravery
that it takes to do it,” said Sewell. “And we will keep her
memory alive with our service.”