NYPD Det. Jonathan Diller added to department's memorial wall in Battery Park City

It was in 1849 when the first New York City police officer was killed in the line of duty. Since then, over 1,200 officers have died while on the job and the names of each have been inscribed on the green granite wall of a special police memorial in Manhattan’s Battery Park City.

On Wednesday, the name of NYPD Det. Jonathan Diller, who was shot dead in March 2024, as well as those of 49 officers who died from illnesses attributed to the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, were unveiled during a brief, somber ceremony at the wall.

Both Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch told the crowd of department officials and families that the memorial, located within blocks of Ground Zero, has become a symbol of resilience and memory.

"We could never have anticipated what would happen two blocks from here or how that day would still be reverberating from this granite wall," Tisch said.

Once covered with dust from the Twin Towers, the memorial wall has been witness to the city’s recovery and rebirth, Tisch said.

"And through it all, this wall has stood in silent tribute and each year the tribute grows," said Tisch, referencing the continuing toll of 9/11-related illnesses.

The memorial wall, constructed in 1997, is slightly below ground level off Liberty Street and close to the Hudson River. It contains a pool of water at its front and is surrounded by benches for what is intended to be a place of reflection and contemplation.

Diller was the only honoree Wednesday who died from hostile fire. A 31-year-old resident of Massapequa Park, the married father was killed by gunfire in March 2024 as he grappled with an armed suspect who was seated in a car in Far Rockaway, Queens. Diller was part of an anti-crime patrol and according to police believed the suspect, Guy Rivera, 34, of Queens, had a gun.

According to police, Rivera was armed and fired once, hitting Diller in the torso just under his protective vest. Other officers fired and wounded Rivera, who is awaiting trial on first-degree murder and other charges.

Adams, in what is to be his last ceremony honoring fallen police officers, recalled the dark moments of 9/11.

"On Sept. 12, we got up, we got up, our city showed the entire country and those of terrorist thoughts that we will survive. The resiliency of New York City allowed the country to get up," he said.