Peter Figoski's NYPD partner promoted

Slain Det. Peter Figoski's partner, who ran after the suspected shooter and caught him, was promoted in a Friday ceremony at NYPD headquarters in Manhattan.

Officer Glenn Estrada, who was with Figoski when they responded to a Dec. 12 robbery, was promoted to detective, as was Figoski posthumously.

When Commissioner Ray Kelly announced that Estrada, of West Babylon, was being promoted for his bravery, fellow cops and family members in the crowded auditorium applauded and cheered.

Figoski, 47, also of West Babylon, was killed by a single gunshot. He was buried Monday and is survived by his four daughters.

"The entire city grieved for his terrible loss," Kelly told those at the ceremony. "It takes some measure of solace to know that justice was served on Tuesday when the five men responsible for Officer Figoski's death were indicted in a Brooklyn courtroom."

Kelly credited Estrada's tenacious pursuit and apprehension of Lamont Pride, Figoski's suspected killer, and detective work by the 75th Precinct in making the case.

"On the police radio, Officer Estrada can be heard telling the dispatcher 'southbound on Pine [street],' " Kelly said. He added that when the dispatcher asked where Estrada was in relation to the suspect, the cop responded "right behind him."

"Moments later the killer lay prone on the sidewalk as Officer Estrada handcuffed him," Kelly said.

Also promoted at the ceremony Friday was the precinct commander, Insp. Jeffrey B. Maddrey, to deputy chief. Maddrey, a Queens native, has served most of his career in Brooklyn precincts.

A total of 77 officers and more than 50 civilians received promotions in the ceremony, at which chief of personnel Thomas V. Dale presided for the last time.

He is leaving to become police commissioner for Nassau County.

Because of the pending criminal case, police officials would not allow Estrada to speak to reporters.