AS a mark of respect, the famous Empire State building in Manhattan, New York, was lit up in blue on Wednesday nightTHE members of the Guyana Ex-Police Association of America (GEPAOA) are deeply saddened by the vicious killing of Guyana-born New York City police officer Randolph Holder.
According to a release from the association, the members “openly condemn this vicious, wanton act against yet another member of the New York City Police Department.”
Officer Holder, a Guyanese-American, is the son of Reginald Holder, a former member of the Guyana Police Force. “As former police officers, we know the dangers law-enforcement officers confront regularly as they strive to keep our streets safe. Their sacrifice is immeasurable and for this we are eternally grateful,” the GEPAOA stated.
The association, which is also based in Brooklyn, New York, sent sincere condolences to the entire Holder family and called on all members of the Guyanese community “to join us in supporting Mayor Bill deBlasio as he guides New York City through this tempestuous period.”
As a mark of respect, the famous Empire State building in Manhattan, New York, was lit up in blue on Wednesday might.
Holder, 33, a Guyanese immigrant and a police officer for five years, was the fourth killed in the line of duty in the past 11 months, Police Commissioner William J. Bratton said during an emotional news conference on Wednesday. A suspect is in custody, the commissioner said.
Holder and his partners were responding to reports of gunshots around 20:30 hrs on Tuesday when they encountered a man riding a bicycle on East 120th Street on a pedestrian path over Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive. Gunfire was exchanged, and Holder was hit to the head.
He was taken in critical condition to Harlem Hospital Center, where he was pronounced dead at 22:22 hrs, Bratton said.
Meanwhile, funeral arrangements have been announced, with the viewing scheduled to take place on Tuesday next at the Community Church of the Nazarene at 1414 Central Avenue, Far Rockaway from 9:00 – 18:00 hrs, while the funeral service will take place at the same venue the following day from 15:00 hrs.
Holder’s body will be interred in his birthplace, Guyana, at a date to be announced. (Frederick Halley)