Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, members of the Town Board and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman joined with the New York Police Department (NYPD) in ceremonially renaming a street in honor of fallen NYPD Detective Joseph Paolillo. A hero, Detective Paolillo died in the line of duty from 9/11-related cancer contracted in the aftermath of search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center. Stationed at Ground Zero, Joseph frantically searched for the remains of his brother John, an FDNY Battalion Chief, and fellow Americans.
“The Town of Oyster Bay never forgets its hometown heroes, and we are proud to honor the life and service of Detective Joseph Paolillo,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Joseph loved his community, his city and his country and will always be remembered for his bravery. This street, in the community where he lived for many years, will forever serve as a reminder of his sacrifice and his extraordinary life. When people pass by this block, they will remember Detective Paolillo as an exemplary first responder who gave his life to save others.”
Joseph began his career in the 34th Precinct in Harlem. He then went to the 19th Precinct on Manhattan’s Upper Westside and concluded his career with the Real Time Crime Center. His amazing legacy however, as a “Top Cop” in the bravest sense, will forever endure. Detective Paolillo will always be remembered as an exemplary first responder who did not hesitate to act even if the situation was perilous, and as someone who always put the safety of residents ahead of his own.
Born in Brooklyn, Joe was a resident of Glen Head for 21 years. He moved to be near his brother John, who lived just five blocks away. Joseph, who enjoyed music, playing the guitar and taking long walks, lived on Sheppard Street with his beloved wife Josephine and their three sons Raymond, John and Martin. He was a loving husband, a devoted father and a great neighbor. The family still lives in the Sheppard Street home just down the road from where “NYPD Detective Joseph Paolillo Way” will forever be displayed in his honor. The Paolillo family stood by their dad and supported him in every way until his last day on September 9, 2019.