For Massapequa Residents, Death Of NYPD Officer Brian Moore Is Deeply Personal
MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The final farewell for NYPD Officer Brian Moore was heartbreaking for so many in the Massapequa area where he lived.
As CBS2's Steve Langford reported, the entire community took the loss deeply and personally.
At the diner, in the barber shop, and outside of the funeral service for a much too young police officer, a Long Island community stopped in honor and grief on Friday.
"It's very emotional for me really is, being across the street watching all the guys in blue," Bernie Anatra said.
Blue ribbons were everywhere in tribute to Moore, from a region home to so many New York City police officers.
"It's just heartbreaking. It's Mother's Day weekend. I feel so bad for the family," Paul O'Gara said.
The supply of blue ribbons had been exhausted by the overwhelming demand to show support and solidarity until a woman identifying herself as a relative of NYPD Officer Rafael Ramos, who was shot and killed last December, stopped by late in the week to offer solace and supplies.
"She brought us ten rolls of ribbon and it didn't last but all of 20 minutes later and it was gone again," Massapequa florist, Laurie Logan explained.
There are so many here in this community who remember all too well a quarter century ago, burying another young NYPD officer from Massapequa.
"I was here 25 years ago when Edward Byrne got shot and I'm here today for this little kid and it's killing me," Vicky Lisciandrello said.
Now, once again, the fears that haunt law enforcement families have been renewed.
"It's even harder and harder every day to watch them leave the house and to know if they'll be home," NYPD mother, Jean Derleth said.
It is the sometimes unbearable price of a courageous calling.
The funeral for Officer Edward Byrne in February of 1988 was held in the same church as Friday's service for Officer Moore.