By Suzie Ziegler
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — Catherine Albera has a long history of serving. The 99-year-old holds the honor of being the longest living retired NYPD officer in the country, police said. What’s more, Albera was one of the first two sworn female officers in the NYPD.
Last month, her contributions were recognized by cops from her local police department in Delray Beach, Florida. Officers surprised Albera at her home with a birthday party and gave her Delray PD patches and challenge coins, the agency wrote on Facebook.
Albera shared stories and pictures of her past, including a photo of her NYPD swearing-in ceremony and her service as a Marine in World War II. Albera served for 20 years in the NYPD before retiring. And her legacy continues. Albera says her husband, five of her sons and one grandson also went on to become NYPD officers.
Albera said she was very touched by the Delray officers who took time out of their shifts to hear her stories, the agency said.