It’s been seven years since the tragic loss of NYPD Detective Miosotis Familia, who was a single mother of three when she was killed in the line of duty. The city of New York continues to mourn her loss.
Sitting inside a marked mobile command unit in the Bronx, she was tragically gunned down.
A memorial was held on Friday at the Bronx precinct where she worked.
Genesis Villella expressed that her mother is a hero who sacrificed her life for the city. “She died for this city,” said Genesis with utmost pride and respect for her late mother.
The memory of that tragic day is still fresh in her mind as if it occurred just yesterday.
Villella recalled a moment when his mother entered his bedroom one night at around 10 pm. She expressed that she was going to work and then hugged and kissed him before standing in the doorway with him for a minute. “We just looked at each other for a minute,” Villella reminisced.
On July 5th, 2017, someone shot and killed a 12-year veteran of the NYPD.
Villella expressed that celebrating the 4th of July has become a difficult task for them. It never feels appropriate to celebrate when they know that after midnight, their loved one would no longer be with them due to an unfortunate incident.
At the tender age of 20, Villella found herself in the daunting position of being the sole provider for her twin siblings. She courageously took on the role of their legal guardian, determined to give them the love and care they needed.
Peter Vega expressed his eternal gratitude towards his sister, Genesis, for putting her life on hold and sacrificing her youth and 20s to raise him and Delilah as a parent.
Representative Ritchie Torres made a statement highlighting that Miosotis was the first female officer of the NYPD to lose her life while performing her duty since 9/11.
According to NYPD Assistant Chief Benjamin Gurley, the individual in question had a reputation for offering excellent advice and assistance whenever required. Moreover, she was known for her constant laughter and warm smiles, which made her a beloved member of the community.
A touching tribute was paid to Familia outside the 46th Precinct in the Bronx, where she had served and where a beautiful mural of her has been painted.
Fight to pass legislation to grant family benefits
The children of Familia are seeking assistance from law enforcement and legislators to pass a law that would grant them their mother’s pension. Unfortunately, the current law does not offer benefits for life to the children of single parent cops who die on duty. As per the existing legislation, the children are entitled to benefits only until the age of 23, provided they are enrolled in college.
Villella stated, “Legislation like this bill ensures that surviving children, who are orphans without any support, can receive death benefits. When my mother was killed, I had to abandon my studies to take care of my siblings. It was unfair that my mother couldn’t be there to witness her children graduate from college.”
In order for the bill to become law, it must be approved by both the Senate and Assembly in Albany. However, the legislative session came to a close in June.
The family is hopeful that the bill will be passed during the upcoming session in January.
