Detective Brian Simonsen Honored with Legislation
Paul DiGiacomo, the President of the Detectives Endowment Association, worked tirelessly to ensure that a bill in honor of Detective Brian Simonsen, who tragically lost his life during a robbery in 2019, was signed into law by Governor Hochul.
The bill mandates phone companies to disable stolen phones to prevent them from being resold by criminals, such as in the case that led to Simonsen’s death.
DiGiacomo emphasized the importance of rendering stolen phones useless on the black market to deter robberies and other crimes.
The bill is currently awaiting Governor Hochul’s signature.
Remembering the Fallen Heroes
DiGiacomo, who has been a police officer for 42 years, has experienced the loss of many colleagues in the line of duty, including Detective Simonsen. He has worked tirelessly to support families of fallen officers and ensure they receive the benefits they deserve.
His dedication to the police force and the union has been unwavering, as he has fought for better benefits, contracts, and support for officers and their families.
Challenges Faced by Law Enforcement
DiGiacomo expresses concerns about the rise in gun violence and the challenges posed by bail reform laws. He highlights the tragic loss of Officer Jonathan Diller earlier this year as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers.
Despite his impending retirement, DiGiacomo acknowledges that leaving behind the department and the union will be bittersweet, as it has been a significant part of his life for over four decades.
