New York City

NYPD detective killed in Afghan suicide attack is mourned

December 22, 2015 Associated Press
A purple and black bunting hangs over the entrance to the 50th Precinct of the NYPD on Tuesday. Detective Joseph Lemm, a 15-year veteran of the NYPD, was one of six American service members killed Monday in Afghanistan when an attacker rammed an explosives-laden motorcycle into their patrol. AP Photo/Julie Jacobson
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A New York City detective who was killed in a suicide attack in Afghanistan was mourned Tuesday as a selfless public servant and a devoted family man.

Detective Joseph Lemm was one of six American service members killed Monday when an attacker rammed an explosives-laden motorcycle into their patrol.

Lemm, a 15-year veteran of the police department, was on his third tour of duty in the Middle East with the Air National Guard.

Police Commissioner William Bratton said Lemm “epitomized the selflessness we can only strive for: putting his country and city first.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Wednesday in Lemm’s honor.

“On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, fellow officers and service members,” Cuomo said.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said flags in the city would be at half-staff from Tuesday through Friday.

Lemm, 45, lived in West Harrison with his wife Christine and two children, a teenage daughter and a young son.

According to a 2013 News 12 Westchester report, Lemm surprised his family after a 10-month tour of duty by showing up unannounced to hear his daughter perform in a singing contest.

Bratton said Lemm was promoted to detective third-grade in January 2014 and worked in the Bronx warrant squad.

Lemm received five commendations from the department over the course of his career.

 

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