Brooklyn Intersection Co-Named in Honor of 2 Fallen Heroes

n a recent Friday, local elected officials, police brass and officers of the 67^th Precinct, community leaders, and members of the clergy gathered at the intersection of Synder and Nostrand Avenues in Brooklyn to co-name the street "Detectives R. Parker and P. Rafferty Way" in honor of two courageous police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

On September 10, 2004, Detectives Robert Parker and Patrick Rafferty responded to a domestic dispute between a mother and son. In the ensuing struggle, both were fatally shot. As Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly told of at the street dedication, until the final moments of their lives these officers exhibited the instincts and discipline that earned them their designation of Detective 1^st Grade. Though mortally wounded, Rafferty had the mental wherewithal to fire back at the assailant, while, with his last breath, Parker relayed the assailant’s description to responding officers. Their actions led to the shooter’s capture and, ultimately, to his conviction.

"With 22 years on the job, Bobby Parker wasn't thinking of retiring," Kelly stated. "He loved the job too much. He was cherished by his colleagues and community members alike. He was the 67^th Precinct's ‘gentle giant’ and a natural detective: observant, thorough, and dedicated beyond belief."

Kelly went on to say that Patrick Rafferty, a 16-year veteran of the force, was tenacious and fearless. He showed his commitment through his service at Ground Zero and through his mentorship of younger officers.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg expressed his sympathy to the Parker and Rafferty families and said he was thankful they were there. He commented that his "fondest wish would be that in the future, the people of our city won't have to come together ever again to rename any more of our streets in honor of our slain heroes."

Council Member Kendall Stewart spoke on behalf of the residents of the 45^th Council District in which the tragedy took place. "We are gathered here today to immortalize the memory of two men who made the ultimate sacrifice doing what they loved best – serving and protecting the people of this great borough," he began. "While we are saddened that their lives were taken much too early, we are happy for the examples that they left and the ideals that they exemplified."

Stewart thanked the detectives’ families "for sharing these two noble men with us," and said that he could not imagine the pain that they must feel about their loss. "But you can all be proud that they left this world a better place than they found it," he stated. "This street co-naming is a small token of our appreciation and our way of making sure that their names will never be forgotten."

 

Samuel Clark sang Simon & Garfunkel’s "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and then, with the help of family members and dignitaries, the street sign was unveiled.

 

Following the unveiling, young Kevin Rafferty delivered brief remarks. Standing on a block so he could see over the podium, he said that it was such an honor for his family and him to know that they had someone in their family who has done something so significant that a street was named after them. "And now I hope that every time someone walks along the sidewalk and looks up at the street sign they will say ‘Those men made my home a safer place,’" Kevin commented. "This street will not only be a sign of bravery and courage," he concluded, "but a place where I can go and memories of my Dad will fill my head."

Also taking part in the ceremony were Police Officer Kerrence Darden, who sang the National Anthem; Bishop Kirkpatrick from Lenox Road Baptist Church who delivered the invocation; and Reverend Delroy Murdock from St. Paul's United Methodist Church who gave the benediction. The Police Department’s bagpipe ceremonial unit played "Amazing Grace" to conclude.