Colleagues Mark 25 Years Since Officer’s Slaying

Colleagues and friends of Officer Jeff Herman gathered in front of the 71st Precinct Sunday morning to mark the 25th anniversary of his death in the line of duty. Officer Herman was gunned down after responding to a 911 call for a domestic disturbance.

Family, friends and co-workers gathered in front of the 71st Precinct today for a ceremony honoring the fallen officer’s memory. In attendance were the various past commanding officers of 71st, along with former colleagues and fellow officers, both active and retired.

On June 2nd, 1989, Officer Jeff Herman, then just 32-years-old, responded to a 911 call about a violent domestic dispute, never anticipating that it would be his last. When the patrolmen arrived at the scene, the man suddenly emerged from the house and fired seven rounds at the officers.

Herman was struck twice; one shot entered his chest right above his protective vest, and the other, his leg. After being shot, Herman exhibited exceptional heroism when he managed to return fire, despite his injuries. The perpetrator fled back into the building and committed suicide on the roof. Herman was rushed to Kings County Hospital where he fought three days for his life, only to succumb to his wounds.

At the memorial ceremony this morning commanding officer of Brooklyn South Chief Owen Monaghan and commanding officer of the 71st precinct Deputy Inspector George Fitzgibbon spoke of their memories of the day Officer Herman was shot.

Also speaking at the event was Irene Herman, the wife of the fallen officer, who shared how much was lost in her husband’s death. “It is really difficult to see all the faces from [back then], it makes me think of all that Jeff could have accomplished.” But added “it also comforts me to see how much he did accomplish it his short life.”