The NYPD unveiled a memorial wall at One Police Plaza on September 9, 2026, honoring officers killed in the September 11 attacks and members who later died from related illnesses. Department leaders said the courage of those who responded continues to shape every generation of officers. More than 469 NYPD members have died from World Trade Center-related illnesses, while more than 1,700 retired with related disabilities. The ceremony also emphasized the continuing effect of the attacks on families, survivors and the department.
| 1) | A memorial wall preserves the names of the fallen |
| 2) | The health toll continued long after the attacks |
| 3) | John William Perry’s final act reflects the department’s ethos |
| 4) | Family and service connections carry the legacy forward |
| 5) | A younger generation is being taught to remember |
A memorial wall preserves the names of the fallen
The NYPD dedicated the wall at One Police Plaza in New York City on September 9, 2026. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, family members of first responders and NYPD officers attended the unveiling. The wall honors the 23 department officers killed at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, including 14 emergency service unit members who were among the first to enter the towers.
The memorial also recognizes department members who later died from illnesses associated with rescue and recovery work. Its purpose is to preserve the names and stories of those affected as the original responding generation retires.
The health toll continued long after the attacks
Department leaders said the consequences remain active more than two decades later. Commissioner Jessica Tisch said more than 469 NYPD members have died from illnesses connected to their World Trade Center service. Chief of Department Michael LiPetri said more than 1,700 members retired with World Trade Center-related disabilities.
“We are still losing members to illnesses caused by their service after the attacks. All these years later, we are still standing with families as they bury loved ones whose lives were forever changed by the work they did after Sept. 11.”
The ceremony acknowledged that the response did not end when the sites were cleared. Illness, disability and bereavement continued to affect responders and their families, requiring the department to maintain support years after the attacks.
John William Perry’s final act reflects the department’s ethos
Mamdani recalled Officer John William Perry, who was at One Police Plaza preparing to resign and begin a legal career when the first plane struck the North Tower. Perry asked for his shield back and went to the World Trade Center.
According to Mamdani’s account, Perry was last seen helping a woman leave the South Tower before returning inside to assist others. He was among the 23 NYPD officers killed that morning. His actions were presented as an example of the department’s belief that protecting others is a continuing duty.
“Officer Perry ran into the fire. The last time he was seen he was helping a woman out of the South Tower before rushing back in to save as many others as he could.”
Family and service connections carry the legacy forward
The ceremony highlighted how the legacy of fallen officers has continued through their families and colleagues. Mamdani said the sons of Officers Ronnie Klopfer and Joseph Viviano now serve as NYPD officers. Their service links the department of 2001 with the department operating today.
Klopfer had founded a lacrosse team before the attacks, and his sons later played on the same team. LiPetri said the team and the officers’ family connections show how relationships formed before September 11 remain part of the department’s life.
“Their fathers are gone, but the team that Ron built is still here. Their sons are wearing an NYPD uniform, and a connection that began years before Sept. 11 continues inside the department.”
A younger generation is being taught to remember
Chief of Department Michael LiPetri said current officers inherit the lessons of those who served before them. Chief Chaplain A.R. Bernard said the effects of September 11 continued through illness, family hardship and deaths in the years that followed.
Commissioner Jessica Tisch noted that thousands of current officers were children on September 11, while others had not yet been born. As the responding generation leaves the department, preserving its names and stories becomes increasingly important.
“The faces in this building will be different, but these names will still be here. The example of the men and women behind them will continue to shape the department.”
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The NYPD memorial wall was unveiled at One Police Plaza on September 9, 2026. |
| 2 | It honors 23 officers killed at the World Trade Center and members who later died from related illnesses. |
| 3 | More than 469 members died from related illnesses and more than 1,700 retired with related disabilities. |
| 4 | Department leaders said family service and institutional memory are carrying the legacy forward. |
Summary
The memorial wall places the NYPD’s September 11 losses within the department’s continuing history. It recognizes officers killed immediately and members who later died or became disabled because of their service. Leaders said it will help future officers understand the courage, sacrifice and long-term costs associated with the attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the NYPD memorial wall unveiled?
The wall was unveiled at One Police Plaza in New York City on September 9, 2026.
Who does the memorial wall honor?
It honors the 23 NYPD officers killed at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, as well as members who later died from illnesses linked to rescue and recovery work.
How many NYPD members were affected?
More than 469 members died from related illnesses, and more than 1,700 retired with World Trade Center-related disabilities.
Why is the memorial important for younger officers?
Many current officers were children or had not yet been born in 2001. Leaders said the memorial preserves the names and examples of earlier members as that generation retires.
