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NYPD names boat after fallen Harlem cop

July 16, 2015 Meaghan McGoldrick

Photo courtesy of NYPD

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Police Commissioner William Bratton stood by colleagues, Sunset Park residents and the family of fallen Patrolman Phillip Cardillo on Tuesday, July 14 at the official dedication of an NYPD vessel, Harbor Launch #701, in memory of the 28^th Precinct cop.

Cardillo was killed in the line of duty 43 years ago.

“I make a promise to officers on behalf of the department that if they should be injured or die in the line of duty, that we will not forget,” said Bratton at the ceremony, which took place at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, “that we will be there for their families, that we will be there to ensure their sacrifice is honored and remembered.”

Cardillo, 31 at the time, died on April 14, 1972 after responding to an incident within a Harlem mosque run under the auspices of the Nation of Islam. Upon entering the building, Cardillo – along with his partner – were outnumbered and attacked by at least 15 men. During the assault, Cardillo was shot in the chest.

He succumbed to his injuries six days later.

Harbor Launch #701 is a multi-mission vessel, Bratton said, capable of working exciting events such as the Fourth of July fireworks celebration or simply providing security during Fleet Week and presidential visits, among other specialties.

The launch is dedicated to Cardillo, Bratton noted, in return for his dedication to protecting the city that he loved.

“Today we are continuing that promise 40 years late for Patrolman Phil Cardillo,” Bratton said, “and it is my honor and privilege to take part in this ceremony.”