By Hank Russell
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and Massapequa Park Village Mayor Daniel Pearl have announced a memorial candlelight vigil for NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, a Massapequa Park resident, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on March 25 during a routine traffic stop in Far Rockaway. The vigil, set to honor his memory and service, will take place on March 27 at 7 p.m. at Brady Park in Massapequa Park. In addition, flags at county, town, and village facilities will be flown at half-staff.
“Our hearts are heavy as we honor the memory of Officer Jonathan Diller, a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community and public safety,” Saladino said. “His bravery and selflessness made him a model officer to his brothers and sisters in law enforcement, who risk their lives each and every day to protect ours. In gathering as a community to join together in mourning, we pay tribute to Officer Diller’s courage and honor his memory. On behalf of my colleagues on the Town Board, I extend by deepest sympathies to Officer Diller’s family, friends and colleagues. His legacy of service will always be remembered.”
According to a report from the NYPD, on Monday, March 25, at approximately 5:48 p.m., in the vicinity of 19-19 Mott Avenue, within the confines of the 101st Precinct, officers from the Patrol Borough Queens South Community Response Team conducted a car stop. One male exited the vehicle with a firearm and shot at the two officers, who then returned fire. Diller was shot in the abdomen area and was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he died of his injuries.
The officers were able to strike one of the suspects in the back. He was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in stable condition. The second suspect was immediately taken into custody. Charges are pending, and the NYPD’s Force Investigation Division is investigating this incident.
According to the NYPD website, Diller joined the force in 2021 and was assigned to the Patrol Borough Queens South Community Response Team last month. He made 70 arrests, including 39 felony arrests. He was recognized three times for Excellent Police Duty and once for Meritorious Police Duty.
Diller leaves behind a wife and a young child.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban posted on X (formerly Twitter): “[On Monday night,] this city lost a hero, a wife lost her husband, and a young child lost their father. We struggle to find the words to express the tragedy of losing one of our own. The work that Police Officer Jonathan Diller did each day to make this city a safer place will NEVER be forgotten. Our prayers are with his family, loved ones, and brothers and sisters in blue.”