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Honoring Bravery: Widow of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller Receives Tribute at Fox Nation’s Patriot Awards
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a poignant moment of recognition, Stephanie Diller, the widow of fallen NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller, stood before a crowd at Fox Nation’s sixth annual Patriot Awards on Thursday night to accept a posthumous honor for her husband, as was reported by The New York Post. Nine months after Detective Diller’s tragic death during a routine traffic stop in Queens, his legacy was celebrated with the “Stephen Siller Back the Blue” award, presented by Fox News personality Judge Jeanine Pirro.
Thank you Fox News for inviting the Jewish voice ,it’s a great honor. @FoxNews #PatriotAwards #FoxNation @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/Jnxl9MLs0B
— The Jewish Voice (@TJVNEWS) December 6, 2024
Stephanie Diller, 29, delivered an emotional acceptance speech that resonated deeply with the audience. “It’s an honor to be here on behalf of my husband, Jonathan. Thank you,” she began, her voice steady with determination. The New York Post report said that she reflected on the connection between her husband’s legacy and the spirit of the award’s namesake, Stephen Siller, himself a symbol of sacrifice. “Looking at Stephen, a man who also lost his father and is up here supporting us, it gives me hope that my son will be okay,” she shared, referring to her and Jonathan’s one-year-old child.
‘THANK YOU FOR REMEMBERING HIM’: Stephanie Diller accepted the “T2T Stephen Siller Back the Blue Award” at FOX Nation’s Patriot Awards on behalf of her husband, 31-year-old NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who was shot and killed in the line of duty during a routine traffic stop. pic.twitter.com/BXpwrhbnYv
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 6, 2024
Detective Jonathan Diller, a dedicated NYPD officer with three years of service, tragically lost his life on March 25 during what began as a routine check on a suspicious vehicle in Far Rockaway. According to the information provided by The New York Post, Diller approached a parked Kia Soul occupied by two individuals with lengthy criminal records. Guy Rivera, 34, who had been arrested 21 times, allegedly drew a pistol and fatally shot Diller in the stomach, just below his bulletproof vest. Lindy Jones, 41, the driver with at least 14 prior arrests, is accused of aiding in the incident.
Diller was rushed to Jamaica Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The loss devastated his colleagues, family, and community. In recognition of his service, he was posthumously promoted to the rank of detective, a bittersweet honor for a life cut tragically short.
‘AN HONOR’: FOX News’ @seanhannity says he’s “excited” to be hosting FOX Nation’s sixth annual Patriot Awards where President-elect Trump will receive the Patriot of the Year award. https://t.co/K0r76NbsXh pic.twitter.com/pWf6SVMcaV
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 6, 2024
The alleged shooter, Rivera, now faces the possibility of life imprisonment without parole, while Jones could serve up to 30 years if convicted. The case has reignited debates around New York’s bail reform laws, with law enforcement officials highlighting concerns about repeat offenders.
During her speech, Stephanie Diller addressed the audience with a heartfelt message of resilience and gratitude. She expressed her hope that her husband’s story would remind people of the humanity behind the badge. “Although we suffered this tragedy, we will not live a tragic life,” she affirmed, as was reported by The New York Post. “We will live a life that supports the legacy and spirit of who Jonathan was.”
NYPD widow Stephanie Diller receives ‘Stephen Siller Back the Blue’ honor at Fox Nation’s Patriot Awards https://t.co/PPmJJsZQmO pic.twitter.com/FefojfavIX
— New York Post (@nypost) December 6, 2024
Her words carried a powerful call to action for those present and beyond: to support and remember the sacrifices of law enforcement officers. She also expressed gratitude to former President Donald Trump, who was in attendance and honored with the “Patriot of the Year” award. “I know Jonathan is as proud as I am that in this room I’m sharing with Donald Trump,” she said. As per the report in The New York Post, she thanked Trump for supporting her family and for shedding light on the challenges faced by officers and their families.
The Patriot Awards, hosted by Fox Nation star Sean Hannity at the Tilles Center for Performing Arts in Brookville, New York, brought together military veterans, first responders, and other inspirational figures who embody the ethos of putting “America first.” The annual event is a platform to honor those who serve their communities and country selflessly.
Stephanie Diller’s tribute to her husband was one of the evening’s most touching moments, capturing the spirit of sacrifice and resilience that defines so many law enforcement families, The New York post report said. In her closing remarks, she made a heartfelt plea: “Please remember my face, my husband’s face. He’s in all of your spirits, all of your hearts.”
As the community continues to mourn Detective Diller, his widow’s strength and dedication to preserving his legacy serve as a beacon of hope. Her words at the Patriot Awards underscore the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by those in uniform and supporting their families during times of unimaginable loss.
This story as a testament to the bravery of officers like Jonathan Diller and the enduring strength of the families they leave behind. Through the recognition at events like the Patriot Awards, their legacy lives on, inspiring others to uphold the values of service, sacrifice, and unity.
