NYPD Adds Names of 18 Officers Who Died Last Year to Hall of Heroes

This year's gathering for a solemn ritual at One Police Plaza - the annual addition of names to the NYPD's Hall of Heroes - was especially somber, as it came just days after the shooting death of an officer in Queens. NY1's Dean Meminger filed the following report.

Black and purple bunting was slowly rolled up in the lobby of police headquarters, revealing the 18 names of officers who died last year.

"We memorialize their commitment, and we fulfill, and continue to fulfill, our commitment and our obligation to never forget," said Police Commissioner William Bratton.

Out of the 18, 14 of the NYPD officers now listed on the plaque died because of September 11th illnesses. The four other officers died in the line of duty. Dennis Guerra was trapped in a smokey Coney Island building while responding to a fire; rookie officer Michael Williams was fatally injured in a police van accident in the Bronx; and Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu were shot to death in December.

"At the same time as we feel pain and loss, we have to feel pride. We have to feel a tremendous sense that we are here to honor their accomplishments," de Blasio said.

Eight hundred and sixty-three names of fallen officers, dating back to 1849, are on this plaque in the Hall of Heroes.

De Blasio said those who died because of September 11th sicknesses were truly motivated in helping others when the city most needed them.

"Unimaginable conditions, conditions that can only be described as brutal and painful. All disregarded their own safety," de Blasio said. "They searched for survivors. They aided in the rescue and recovery."

This day wasn't just about the family in blue, but blood families as well. Bratton realizes that they are the ones hurt the most when officers die.

"So on behalf of the department, I thank you. I thank you for all that you continue to do for us, continuing the legacy of what your loved ones did for this city," Bratton said.

There was a moment of silence taken for Officer Brian Moore, who died this week. His name will be placed on the plaque next year.