Volunteers sew handmade quilts in memory of fallen officers

Each quilt is originally designed and meant to bring comfort to the many families mourning the loss of their loved ones in blue.

Mary-Lyn Buckley and News 12 Staff

Oct 17, 2023, 12:22 AM

Updated 284 days ago

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Volunteers took their passion for sewing quilts and turned it into purpose, by hand-stitching quilts at 1 Police Plaza Monday to donate to families of fallen NYPD officers. 
Each quilt was originally designed and meant to bring comfort to the many families mourning the loss of their loved ones in blue.
"On that table, that blanket right there that is what I bring to my bedroom," said Diane Pryor-Holland who lost her husband, Richard G. Holland from a 9/11-related illness. 
"I talk to him every morning. 'Good morning, Richard...good night', I’m going to sleep, I tell him," Pryor-Holland said, holding a quilt she made for her husband. 
The NYPD's 'Quilts For Cops' program began seven years ago and is run by volunteers. All quilts created will be sent to families of officers who died in the line of duty; this includes officers who passed away as a result of 9/11-related illnesses. 
Each quilt is meant to be held close. "Cover yourself and your family with them. They are made with love, each stitch," said Lisa White, NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Employee Relations. 
Volunteers say they'll begin planning for next year's quilting event before the end of the month. 


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