LI Vigil For Fallen Officer Filled With Sadness, Anger: 'Senseless'

MASSAPEQUA PARK, NY — Rain didn't deter hundreds of people from gathering for a vigil Wednesday night in memory of neighborhood hero Jonathan Diller, the NYPD officer who was shot and killed on Monday.

There was plenty of sadness in Brady Park, just blocks from Diller's Massapequa Park home, where residents came together in a show of hometown solidarity.

"I grew up in Merrick and since I moved to Massapequa Park 34 years ago, from the minute I moved here, I knew I would never leave," Gail O'Brien said.

That feeling was evident throughout the crowd, showing support and sorrow for the NYPD and law enforcement as a community united in mourning.

"Our son-in-law has been in the force for about three years, about the same age group [as Diller],"said a man from Massapequa who wanted to stay anonymous. "When this happens, we really feel it."

Clifford Archer, from Levittown, attended the vigil to "respect the officer [and] respect for his family."

The Diller family was represented at the solemn event by brother-in-law Joseph Lienhop, who said, "Family was number one in his life. He taught me how to be a better person."

Many in the crowd showed anger that a 31-year-old's life was snuffed out — with a one-year-old baby at home.

"He's going to grow up without his father, Peggy Broere, of East Northport, said through tears. "It's senseless. That's all I have to say."

Archer added: "This is a tragic loss that was absolutely unnecessary."

Retired NYPD Deputy Inspector Tom Cavanagh started his career in the 101st Precinct, the location in Far Rockaway where Diller was killed.

"I had to come here for that," Cavanagh told Patch.

Having been to many funerals for fallen officers, he said it never gets any easier.

"The general public, a lot of the time, gets used to it, but if you served in that department, you never get used to it," Cavanagh said.

Before the sun went down and the candles were lit, a rainbow filled the sky and embraced attendees.

A wake is being held on Thursday and Friday. The funeral Mass for Diller is Saturday morning in Massapequa.