Queens Street Dedicated To NYPD Detective Randolph Holder
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A New York City street was dedicated to an NYPD detective who lost his life in the line of duty.
Detective Randolph Holder was shot and killed while pursuing an armed suspect in East Harlem in October 2015.
"For the first time we're able to honor Randy's memory, physically, back where it all started, at home, for on this very block he made his commute," Dep. Inspector Erik Hernandez said.
The dedication ceremony took place on Briar Place in Far Rockaway, Queens, where the family of the 33-year-old detective will get to see it every day.
Before unveiling the sign, Mayor Bill de Blasio noted that Holder was living the American dream.
"Came here to the Rockaways from Guyana to carry out a family legacy that's extraordinary -- grandfather, father and great uncle all having worn the uniform to protect others," de Blasio said.
Intersection of Briar Pl & Collier Av in #FarRockaway now Det Randolph Holder Way. #1010WINS pic.twitter.com/28MrzJ6V03
— Sonia Rincón (@SoniaRincon) August 4, 2017
Holder's father said the family is proud of the new sign.
"Today is a bittersweet day," Randolph Holder Sr. said. "My son was a good disciplined guy, man, officer and a gentleman."
"Anytime anyone drives, walks, rides and looks up they will see a very good name from a good person," he added.
The ceremony gave NYPC Commissioner James O'Neill once more opportunity to thank the family.
"On that sad, tragic day in October of 2015, you lost so much. But you continue to stand with us every time, and I thank you for that, because you help us move forward," he said.
As CBS2's Alice Gainer reported, Holder came here from Guyana, his father, grandfather, and great uncle were all police officers.
Earlier this year, Tyrone Howard was convicted of murder, robbery and weapons possession charges and sentenced to life in prison without parole in Holder's death.
Holder and his partner approached Howard as he was on a stolen bicycle on an East Harlem street on Oct. 20, 2015.
Howard fled on foot, then pulled out a handgun and shot Holder in the head on a footbridge over the FDR Drive.
Howard had been involved in a gunfight with rival drug dealers just before he was confronted by the two officers.
Holder was posthumously promoted to detective at his funeral by then-police Commissioner Bill Bratton. He was also issued a new gold shield with the same number of the badge worn by his father, who is a retired police officer.