Hundreds honor fallen NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller at candlelight vigil on Long Island
MASSAPEQUA PARK, Long Island (PIX11) -- Hundreds of people from across Long Island gathered at Brady Park Wednesday night to remember a son of Oyster Bay, a resident of Massapequa Park, and to light candles to honor Officer Jonathan Diller's ultimate sacrifice.
The evening rain ended just as the vigil began. Out of the clouds, a ray of sun appeared, and a rainbow appeared across the sky.
As darkness fell, flickers of light began to fill the ballfield in tribute to NYPD Officer Diller. The 31-year-old husband and father was murdered on the job Monday.
Among his law enforcement family, Diller’s own family felt the love and support. His mom, sister, and brother held each other close as his brother-in-law spoke about their pain.
"He was born to be a hero. He died being a hero. He died doing what he loved," said Joseph Linehop.
Diller leaves behind a wife and a one-year-old baby. The community is coming to their side in this time of tragedy with donations and support.
"He was crazy about his family; it was number one in his life," Linehop said, holding back tears.
Those in law enforcement vowed to help them carry on.
"Tonight, we start to keep our promise to never forget when the family asks," said Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.
Raymond Moore's son Brian was an NYPD cop, murdered in Queens, too, in 2015.
"I understand the tragedy because I went through it myself," said Moore, "I have to show my support for this family. They lost a piece of their life."
Congressional leaders from Long Island are in Rome and met with Pope Francis at the Vatican. In the coming days, they secured a memorial mass for Officer Diller at St. Peter's Basilica.