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OVERNOR CUOMO DIRECTS FLAGS TO HALF-STAFF
Today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo directed that flags on all State government buildings be flown at half-staff in memory of New York City Police Officer Randolph Holder, who died last night after being shot in the line of duty. Flags will be flown at half-staff beginning today, and remain in that position until Officer Holder’s interment.
“Last night, one of New York’s Finest was taken while in the line of duty,” Governor Cuomo said. “Officer Holder acted with bravery and selflessness in protecting countless New Yorkers in the midst of an extremely dangerous situation. Today I ask all New Yorkers to keep Office Holder’s loved ones and colleagues at the NYPD in their thoughts and prayers.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio also ordered all flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of Officer Randolph Holder until the day of his interment.
In remarks last night, Mayor de Blasio said, “We’re mourning a man who gave his life as a guardian for all of us. And we’re humbled by Officer Randolph Holder’s example – an example of service and courage and sacrifice.
“Our hearts are heavy, and we offer our thoughts and our prayers to his family, who are experiencing unimaginable pain, as we saw earlier when we gathered with them.”
“We honor the memory of Officer Holder, a man who, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, gave the last full measure of his devotion on behalf of the city he loved.”
Pat Lynch, President of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association spoke of having to tell a father his son is not coming home today. Officer Holder comes from three generations of police officers. His father and grandfather were policemen in Guyana.
Speaking directly to New Yorkers, Lynch said, “New York City police officers, every day, go out and carry themselves like superheroes on the street. But the reality is, when we’re attacked we bleed, when we bleed we die, and when we die we cry.”
“We need your support. We need your support. These police officers need your support as we bury our brother police officer.”
“But it can’t end there. We need your support every day, on every corner, in every neighborhood, so we can continue to carry ourselves like superheroes. So we can save you and protect you.”
In a Facebook posting, Bronx Borough President offered his condolences to the family and friends of Officer Randolph Holder. He noted that the young officer was killed in the line of duty, protecting and defending the city that he cared for so much. “My thoughts and prayers are with his colleagues at PSA 5, his family, his friends and the entire NYPD in their time of mourning.”
At sunset on Wednesday, the Empire State Building was lit blue in honor of slain NYPD Officer Randolph Holder of Police Service Area 5 in Manhattan.
Police Officer Randolph Holder is the fourth NYPD Officer killed in the line of duty this year.
This includes the American Flag, the New York State and City flags and the POW-MIA flag. Flags shall be flown at half-staff on all City buildings and stationary flagstaffs throughout the five boroughs.
“I am deeply saddened by the death of Officer Randolph Holder, a dedicated police officer with the NYPD. An immigrant to this country, Officer Holder followed his father and grandfather’s footsteps into public service, and represented the true spirit of what it means to be a New Yorker and American. This senseless act of violence took his life far too soon, but his dedication will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Holder’s family, loved ones, and the entire NYPD during this incredibly difficult time,” said Public Advocate Tish James in a statement.
This post has been updated to include the Empire State Building lighting tribute in honor of Officer Holder.
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