NEW YORK—NYPD Officer Alain Schaberger fell nine feet during a clash with a domestic violence suspect last March. Schaberger, who had served the city for 10 years, died from his injuries the same morning.
“He had an exceptional reputation as a vigilant, dependable officer,” said Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly during the annual Medal Day ceremony at One Police Plaza Tuesday.
Forty-two NYPD members were presented medals by Commissioner Kelly and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
“Sadly, today we also honor two of New York’s finest who we lost, dying valiantly in the line of duty,” Mayor Bloomberg said in a statement. “Thanks to those we honor today and the entire NYPD, New York remains the nation’s safest big city. Last year we wrapped up the safest decade in the city’s history—by far.”
Family members took the Medal of Honor, the Police Department’s highest award, on behalf of their loved ones who were killed in the line of duty last year.
The elderly father of NYPD Detective Peter Figoski, killed in the line of duty, accepted the Medal of Honor on his behalf.
Detective Figoski was responding to a burglary in progress in December 2011, when he was fatally shot. He had served 22 years with the NYPD, and had made hundreds of arrests. Figoski was from the 75th Precinct, where there was a 90 percent reduction in crime over the past two decades.
Detective Glenn Estrada, Figoski’s partner, arrested the assailant. Estrada was awarded the Medal for Valor.
“Honor, as exemplified by their dedication to serving the public, combined with the courage to confront violent criminals and face life-threatening situations,” Commissioner Kelly said.
Thirteen NYPD members who died from illnesses contracted during the rescue and recovery efforts following the 9/11 terrorist attacks were awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. For their selflessness and heroism, they earned the Police Department’s distinguished awards: the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Police Combat Cross and the Medal for Valor.
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