By Joanna Putman
Police1
NEW YORK — Stephanie Diller, the widow of slain NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller, was honored at the Fox Nation Patriot Awards, the New York Post reported.
Diller received the “Stephen Siller Back the Blue” award in recognition of her late husband’s sacrifice, according to the report.
Detective Diller was killed in March 2024 during a traffic stop in Queens.
“It’s an honor to be here on behalf of my husband, Jonathan,” she said during her acceptance speech. “Tonight is especially special because I’m receiving this award from Stephen Siller, a man who also lost his father and is up here supporting us. It gives me hope that my son will be okay, and although we suffered this tragedy, we will not live a tragic life.”
Diller was shot while approaching a parked vehicle in Far Rockaway during a routine traffic stop, according to the report. The driver, identified as Guy Rivera, allegedly opened fire, striking Diller below his bulletproof vest. Diller was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Rivera, who has 21 prior arrests, faces a maximum sentence of life without parole if convicted. His accomplice, Lindy Jones, was also arrested after a second firearm was found in the car.
“I will always support every officer, every person who risks their lives,” Stephanie Diller said. “Please remember my face, my husband’s face. He’s in all of your spirits, all of your hearts.”
The Patriot Awards, hosted at the Tilles Center for Performing Arts in Brookville, New York, celebrate military veterans, first responders and other “everyday heroes,” according to Fox Nation.
