CROWN HEIGHTS [CHI] — Twenty years ago today, Police Officer Jeff B. Herman (Badge 23753) died in the line of duty, while serving Crown Heights’s 71st Precinct. On June 2nd, 1989, Officer Herman responded to a 911 call about a man with a gun, never anticipating that it would be his last.
Officer Jeff Herman Remembered on the 20th Ann. to his Tragic Death
CROWN HEIGHTS [CHI] — Twenty years ago today, Police Officer Jeff B. Herman (Badge 23753) died in the line of duty, while serving Crown Heights’s 71st Precinct. On June 2nd, 1989, Officer Herman responded to a 911 call about a man with a gun, never anticipating that it would be his last.
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 the police commissioner and fellow officers, both active and retired.
Herman joined the NYPD in 1984, which was “a very troubled time for the city of New York,” said police commissioner Raymond Kelly, calling it “the height of the crack epidemic.” Kelly added that Herman served valiantly, receiving a total of fourteen commendations during his five years in the force.
Herman joined the ranks of NYPD’s Anti Crime unit of plain-clothed police officers. One day, a call came in about a man with a gun on Hawthorn Street. When the policemen 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.
Herman was one of seven officers killed in 1989, including two auxiliary police officers, and will be remembered for his heroism in protecting our neighborhood.
To Dr. Lang
GOOD Job DR LANG!
Friend
I don’t see Devorah Halberstam in the pictures.
Eileen
Jeff,
you will be missed everyday, but, I thank you for Irene & Joey. You picked me to be in you life, and you gave me my best friend. I will always pray for you, and I love Irene, Joey and family. Thank you for this gift!!!
Eileen (the irish girl, as you always told me.
Love & miss you
jeff herman
20 years ago the shooting and subsequent death of PO Jeff Herman was all over the media. I didn’t know him nor did I know of him. But the event stung me and stayed with me in a very personal way. I always felt a connection to the tragedy.Oddly, some people inquired about my whereabouts. I never had any professional connection to law enforcement or the legal profession, but some distant acquaintences thought maybe I had an “undercover” life. My condolences to Mr. Herman’s family and to everyone who felt his lose. He clearly gave all that he had to give to this world. Sincerely, Jeff Herman PS: Now you understand why this event affected me.
Kimberly Friedson
Jeff,
You were my Scott Baio, my childhood crush in public school and all the years to follow – I couldn’t even talk in front of you when I was a child, because I’d stumble over my words. As we got older we worked together at Walbaums and soon after you became very involved in the Youth Center … and went from the boy I had a crush on as a child, to a young man I had enormous respect for. Our paths seemed to cross all the time. You lived downstairs from my best friend Rena, who’s with you now – then our mom’s became best friends for countless years … you were always there. You made a difference in this life, on this planet – from a very young age until your last day with us. All these years later and I still get angry that you’re not here with us, in your 40s with us, doing what you did best – making a difference, making people smile and being the best that you could be. You were loved by many and still are. I think of you often – and I talk to you often. I know you hear me. I wish you were here with us, but at the same time, the world’s gone crazy and I’m glad that you’re in a better place. We miss and love you Jeff – always will. <3
Kimberly Friedson
Why wasn’t there/isn’t there, a picture displayed of Jeff? I search the Internet often, looking for pictures of him, his story, his life – his pictures. He should never be forgotten. He belongs on the Internet with the rest of us … he may not be here in the physical world, but he’s still with us in spirit. Can you please post pictures of him? I know there are many of us who miss him dearly and would love to see his face. Thank you.