Transcript: Mayor de Blasio Delivers Remarks at Police Officer Eddie Byrne's Annual Memorial Service

February 26, 2015

Mayor Bill de Blasio: Thank you very much. I want to thank everyone for being here in this solemn occasion. Looking at this vehicle – and feeling like somehow we can transport ourselves to that moment – think about a 22-year-old young man just starting his life, who believed in something, who was willing to serve others and put his life on the line for their protection. He was a guardian – a silent guardian doing that which we wish all people would do in this society – stand up for something bigger and better. A young man who believed in something – he was taken from us so young, and he could never have known what his life would later mean to all of us and that it would begin such a profound turnaround. He was doing something for the right reasons and with a sense of courage, and commitment, and purpose, like so many people that day, and every day since, who have worn the uniform of the NYPD.

His family lost a good and brave young man. His family remembers, and has remembered, every single day – and by that I mean both his biological family and the family of the NYPD. His brother continues this work and this commitment to this day in this department. And I say to Larry, and to all the family, it’s an honor to spend this moment with you in remembrance. But after this tragedy, as you’ve heard, a turnaround did begin. It’s a turnaround that everyone here should be so proud of – so many people here participated in and brought this city to a place that that tragic night would have been beyond our wildest imagination. But today in this city, because of your efforts, we have a place transformed, a place so much safer, a place that people can live in peace.

We owe it to you to always appreciate and remember what you do to make that possible, to make sure we’re protecting the guardians who protect all of us. And you have my commitment and Commissioner Bratton’s commitment that we will do that. But tonight, it’s so important just to remember a good, young man – a good, young man who represented all that we aspire to be.

Thank you.

###