New Rochelle Police Memorial Monument Rededication Ceremony - May 15, 2026
New Rochelle Police Memorial Monument Rededication Ceremony
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.
Ceremony and Remarks
- The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Captain Coyne.
- City Manager Melendez emphasized the importance of remembering fallen officers, especially on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, noting that two officers died from 9/11-related illnesses.
- PBA President Detective Herring read the names of all ten fallen officers honored on the monument and offered prayers for their families.
- Commissioner Reynolds recounted the history of the monument, originally dedicated in 1931, and described how the addition of the two names came about through a donation from Dominic Denegris and Nick Fasiglioni of Denegris monument company.
- Captain Coyne read detailed remembrances of each fallen officer, including their dates of appointment, circumstances of death, and awards received. The ten officers honored are: Special Patrolman Maurice Ahern, Lieutenant Thomas J. Payne, Patrolman Daniel F. Murphy, Patrolman Timothy Mahoney, Detective William E. Mancusi, Police Officer Alan B. McLeod, Detective John C. Phillips, Police Officer Gary D. Pagano, Police Officer Kathleen O'Connor Funagello, and Detective Mark S. Gaddo.
- Bishop Pearson offered a blessing of the monument and a prayer for the fallen and their families.
Key Outcomes
- The names of Police Officer Kathleen O'Connor Funagello and Detective Mark Gaddo were formally added to the exterior memorial monument, correcting a previous omission.
- Commissioner Reynolds announced upcoming events: Metal Day at Green Tree Country Club on May 16, 2026, at 9:00 AM, and the christening of Marine One (police boat) named after Detective Mark Gaddo on May 17, 2026. (The boat for Officer Funagello was dedicated the previous year.)
- The ceremony concluded with the presentation of bracelets and flags to the families of the two newly honored officers, brought by officers who rode to the National Police Memorial in Washington, D.C. on motorcycles.
Meeting Transcript
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.
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