On May 15, 2026, at 10:30 AM, the New Rochelle Police Department held a memorial monument rededication ceremony at police headquarters. The event honored all fallen officers of the department, with special recognition of two officers—Police Officer Kathleen O'Connor Funagello and Detective Mark Gaddo—whose names were added to the exterior monument after being previously included only on the interior wall. Speakers included Captain Collins Coyne, City Manager Wilfredo Melendez, PBA President Detective Gregory Herring, Police Commissioner Neil K. Reynolds, and Bishop Derek Pearson. The commissioner noted that the ceremony was held a few days before National Police Officers Memorial Day (May 15), though the event date is recorded as May 15.
Good morning. I'm Captain Collins Coyne, Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division, and I welcome you all to our memorial monument rededication. I'd just like to ask everyone to please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. Please, hunt. Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty, justice. Thank you. Please be seated. I'd like to thank everyone for coming out today, families of the fallen, the Funagello, Mr. Funogello, the O'Connors, and Ms. Gaddo. I'd like to thank the organizations that came today, that have come today, the retired association of PANR, retired Sergeant Calvin McGee and retired Detective Aaron Goldstein and the organization. Thank you for coming. In the audience, we have the city manager. We have the Deputy City Manager Todd Costaldo. You'll hear from the City Manager Will Melendez shortly. John Jones from our public information, as well as a whole host of other dignitaries. I appreciate all you all coming. I'd like to call up now the city manager, Wilfredo Melendez for some remarks. Thank you. First, I want to thank everybody for coming out today. It's a very special occasion. Thank you for being here, and on behalf of City Hall, I want to especially thank Commissioner Reynolds, his leadership staff, the retirees, families, for putting this event together. It's so important, so vital that we never forget to honor our fallen that ultimately paid the ultimate sacrifice for serving this city. And especially on the anniversary of 9-11 25th anniversary this year, we have two members who actually passed away because of 9-11 related illnesses. So it's very fitting. But it's so important that we do things like this and that we never really forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. So thank you on behalf of the city. Thank you for putting this together. Really honored to be here. Thank you, Mr. Melendez. I'd like to call up PBA President, Detective Gregory Herring, for some remarks. Good afternoon, family and friends. Acting retired members of Law Enformer Law Enforcement, distinguished guests, and honored members of our community. My name is Detective Gregory Herring, President of the New Rochelle Police Benevolent Association. I am joined by Lieutenant Edward Hayes, President of the Superior Officer Association. We gather here today with gratitude, reverence, and remembrance, as we add two names to this memorial wall. A wall dedicated to the brave men and women of the Neurochell Police Department who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This memorial stands as more than a stone and inscription. It is a solemn promise that we that the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of our fallen heroes will never fade from memory. It serves as a lasting tribute to those who answered the call to protect and serve, placing the safety of others above their own. Today we honor Patrolman Maurice Ahern, Lieutenant Thomas J. Payne, Patrolman Daniel F. Murphy, Patrolman Timothy Mahoney, Detective William E. McCousi, Police Officer Alan B. McLeod, Detective John C. Phillips, Police Officer Gary D. Pagano, Police Officer O'Connor Fangello, Detective Mark Gaddo.