NEW YORK — Officer Edward Byrne was shot and murdered in the line of duty 35 years ago, and the New York City Police Department paid tribute to him on Sunday.
That was a situation that left the country in disbelief.
On February 26, 1988, a rookie police officer was killed in Jamaica, Queens, while guarding a witness in a narcotics case. He was only 22 years old at the time of his death, and he was riding in a marked patrol car.
Read more: New York Police Captured a 20-year-old Man Who Had Just Brutally Killed His Mother
The passing of Byrne is seen as a watershed moment in the fight against drug trafficking.
According to Deputy Inspector Eric Robinson, who is the commanding officer of the 103rd Precinct of the New York City Police Department, “From this horrific tragedy, people from all walks of life would come together and stand united against the seemingly insurmountable hold that gangs and criminals had in our lives.”
Read more: As Full Grand Central Madison Service Begins, the Mta is Giving Suburban Riders a $200 Million Boost
Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell added, “He was a protector, a guardian, who willingly put himself in harm’s way for others.” “He was a guardian who willingly put himself in harm’s way for others.”
During his campaign for president in 1988, former President George H.W. Bush brought Byrne’s badge with him everywhere he went.
The murder of Byrne resulted in the conviction of four persons.
