Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Your assassination outraged me and inspired me to become a NYC police officer in the late 80's. I'll never forget the experience and the total devastation to your family. For as long as I live, I will never forget. Soar with heaven's warriors. Watch over us.

Lt. Paul Sanzone, NYPD (ret.)
NYPD

February 26, 2024

I was a p.o. back then just out of the academy when this act of being a coward happened.. it felt like my brother was killed....my heart my soul goes out to the family...I attended the funeral that day for which I will never forget....I wish that this insanity in the world would end....

P.O.E.Pérez (RET)
N.Y.P.D.

February 12, 2024

Eddie, I can still remember the day that I saw your name appear on tv stating that you were killed. I just stared in disbelief as I had just ran into you @ our local card store the week before. We went to East Plain, Packard & Plainedge high together. And my sister & brother In-law were Larry's best friend's & my brother was friend's w/Steven. I think of you often & still to this day find it hard to believe that you are gone! I know that you are resting in peace w/your loved ones & I did visit your grave. You will never be forgotten! I will continue to pray for you & your family! And we will meet in heaven one day, rest in peace!!!

Civilian: Caryn Berge
Friend

January 25, 2024

I was assigned to.the 75 Precinct was Eddie was murdered. I still to this remember when the lobby came city wide that a cop was was killed in the 103 Precinct.
My brother knew Eddie from the area of Massapequa and he di some training with him

May God Bless you always, you were to young to pass away..

Ret Detective Vincent DeQueiroz
NYPD 1985 - 2010

January 17, 2024

You will never be forgotten Eddie. Never. The cowardly way you were murdered will never be forgotten.. God bless your family and may God look over them forever.. Rest in eternal peace brother..

Sgt. Kevin Ford NYPD retired

October 7, 2023

R.I.P !! A MARTYR IN THE CAUSE OF RIGHT V WRONG !! I HAD 14 MONTHS ON THE JOB WHEN YOU WERE MURDERED ! I WAS ASSIGNED TO 075 PCT. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN !!

Mortimer J Keane RET PO
NYPD

June 10, 2023

I stood detail guarding the crime scene that night, after flying in from a neighboring command to give relief to our 103 brothers and sisters…I’ll never forget…it was my solemn honor to make sure my brother got the service and dignity he deserved.

Joseph Gibbons
NYPD

February 26, 2023

It was 35 years ago, but your bravery and dedication reigns in truest form to the "Finest" in police traditions to this very day. One of the mysteries of faith is in your death, that so many brave young men and women are inspired by you (like myself) to meet God's call to fight evil and protect those in need. Your memory is solidified in our hearts forever. Watch over us in our daily life.

Lt. Paul Sanzone (retired)
NYPD

February 26, 2023

Gone But Never Forgotten. A cold night like tonight. You Definitely Made a Difference. Luvya Brother. God Bless Your Family.

P.O. Hyland #22351……#4001
NYPD…….SCPD.

February 26, 2023

As officers we are charged to protect and serve.I believe you were a brave Good officer just like me .



I wish you had more backup.I understand what it’s like to need an abundance of advocates in dangerous situations. Your bravery will never be forgotten.
Here’s to the True Good Officers Team☕️ The ones that take the hits for not being on the take.
Rest In Peace Sir.
Signed
The Leslie Jeanine who actually served.

Correctional Officer
OCC

June 11, 2022

Another year has gone by it’s so hard to believe. I miss you everyday so many things remind me of you especially when me Joe and Simba get together. You are missed and will never be forgotten until we meet again brother
Rob P

Rob Pucciarelli
Friend

March 1, 2022

God bless you Rest In Peace

Lt.A.Curatola 159
FDNY-EMS

February 26, 2022

I cry every year remembering your sacrifice. A finest never forgets a finest...ever! When you were murdered I was now in the NCPD and helped with the traffic detail for your funeral. Not a dry eye as far as I could see at my location. Your family is always in my prayers. You never had the chance and I keep your memory alive by telling my students every semester all about you. Eddie, one day I will get the chance to shake your hand, give you a hug and tell you all about the difference you made in my life that kept me alive to retire.
Forever a sister, 84-58.

Tina Swanno, retired police officer
NYPD / NCPD

February 26, 2022

Today, 34 yrs. ago I still remember that horrible morning that shocked NYC and the whole nation. You are my hero RIP, Eddie.

Retired Auxiliary P.O. 30 Pct. N.Y.C. Ad

February 26, 2022

May he Rest in Peace.
Amen.

Ret. Det. Vincent Sinnott
NYPD

February 23, 2022

I was in the the academy with Eddie. Was horrible to hear this. I'm still in the NYPD in the ESU, Bronx.

Alexander Nikolla
NYPD . ESU.. Bronx. Captain.

November 17, 2021

Eddie's murder changed policing in this city, for the better. We took back the city from the dealers, junkies, and all other criminal elements. I was in HS, dating a girl whose mother worked the case in the Queens DA office. I got to know the Byrne family personally because of that, wish I still did. Eddie's murder was the beginning of why I really wanted to be a cop. His murder was motivation for me to walk the blue line. Thanks Ed, we never met, but you had a forever lasting effect on this 17yo kid then, and at now 50yo you still do. Never Forget.... Till Valhalla....

Retired Detective Vincent Maher
NYPD

February 27, 2021

I was assigned to the 103 Pct straight out of NSU a few months after Eddie was killed. Being a first gen cop, I had much to learn. The atmosphere in the "house" was still somber but uplifting once I saw the comradery the very first day on "real" patrol. All the MOS assigned to the pct looked tired and worn out yet they never complained. They continued to go out and make collars in a valiant effort to squeeze intell from these criminals about Eddies execution being that evidence and witnesses were needed. I collared up early and often and was amazed of the tenacity of the best cops and detectives. Hundreds of collars were being made weekly and every single one was extensively interviewed by the the 103 MOS & Sqd. My eyes and ears were wide open and I learned quickly from the best cops and detectives. Bottom line, Eddies death created great cops, cops that NEVER FORGET and will never stop until justice is served ! Although I did not work with or know Eddie, his presence was always there and carried me for 20 years. Godspeed Eddie !

Detective Retired Angelo Conetta
NYPD

February 26, 2021

I remember this horrific midnight tour (Feb. 26 1988) vividly, like it was yesterday. It was my Friday coming off a week of midnights, with (3) days off to follow. I was a young 28 y.o. NYPD officer, previously assigned to the 103rd pct. and now assigned to the adjoining 113pct. In South Jamaica, Queens NY. I was very familiar with the 107th Ave & Inwood post that Eddie was assigned that particular midnight shift, guarding a witnesses house that had recently been firebombed. Arjune the owner, was going to testify against members of the Jamaican drug cartel. Most of the officer's working in both precincts were friends, working closely together, backing each other on calls for service, around this crack ridden, run down portion of the city which was fueled with exploding crime rates and a lack of lawlessness. Unfortunately dealing with the results of the drug wars surrounding us became too familiar and part of our job. I recall seeing Eddie earlier in the shift on that freezing cold night, I then responding to a car fire several blocks away. As my partner and I waited for FDNY I recall hearing that radio tone-signal (10-13) that every officer dreads...(To this day it gives me the chills) I floored the RMP accelerator racing to the scene, It was confirmed, Eddie had been shot multiple times and shortly after succumbed to his severe wounds, he didn't stand a chance. This was an outright assassination-hit ordered by a drug lord "Pappy" Mason from prison, however at the time all officer's working were fearful for there own lives as well. We didn't know if there was a sniper involved? or possibly additional officer's in danger of being shot? as there were rumors floating on the streets that an officer(s) would be targeted. We proceeded very cautiously throughout the remainder of the shift while responding to calls etc. Eddie died a true hero! It took this incident to change poorly written policies at the time within NYPD including many others nationwide. This was also the beginning of the "War on drugs" namely the crack epidemic which had exploded in NYC and throughout the USA. President George H. W. Bush carried Eddie's shield as a reminder of this terrible crime that was intended to intimidate and send a message to law enforcement. Fortunately it had the opposite effect, especially when (4) defendants were convicted of his murder and to this day remain incarcerated thanks to an absolute thorough and incredible investigation by some of the best Detectives within the NYPD. Eddie your sacrifice will never be forgotten, your legacy changed NYC and the NYPD forever in a positive light, Thank you and the entire Byrne Family for your eternal sacrifice.

Steve Olson 113th ESU PCT. NYPD Patrol
RETIRED Virginia Beach Master Police Officer/ Detective

February 5, 2021

Rest easy

Mark Mottola

February 26, 2020

Ed, May you continue to 4ever RIP in Heaven with Our Lord and Savior my Brother in Blue!!! Keeping your Family and Friends in my Thoughts and Prayers...You will NEVER be 4GOTTEN!!!

Detective Ethel J. Riddle
NYPD - Retired

February 25, 2020

NYPD readies annual tribute to Officer Edward Byrne, shot dead on duty in '88

Posted on February 25, 2020 Newsday

Early in the morning of Feb. 26, 1988, NYPD Officer Edward Byrne, sitting alone in his patrol car as he guarded a home In Jamaica, Queens, was brutally executed by a group of drug dealers.

The assassination of Byrne, 22, a native of North Massapequa, stunned the nation. It also became a signature moment in the crack epidemic of the 1980s that fueled both an exploding crime rate and a climate of lawlessness in New York City, while sparking calls for action from elected officials.

More than 30 years later, NYPD brass and officers, like they have for the past three decades, will gather at midnight Tuesday at the 103rd Precinct in Jamaica to honor and remember Byrne. Among those planning to attend are NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea and former commissioner William Bratton.

Cops will hold the memorial right after the midnight roll call, said Lawrence Byrne, the slain officer's brother and former NYPD legal counsel.

“We do this ceremony at this time every year because Eddie was ambushed at about 3:10 a.m. on February 26, just five days after his 22nd birthday, in uniform at his fixed post,” Byrne said.

Afterward, the group is scheduled to travel to the Inwood section of Queens where Edward Byrne was killed guarding the home of a witness only known by the name Arjune.

Four men, all in their 20s, were arrested and brought to trial for Byrne’s killing. Evidence in the case included a videotaped confession from one of the suspects, Scott Cobb, who stated the order for the execution-style slaying came from a jailed drug dealer, Harold “Pappy” Mason, as a message to cops in retaliation for his arrest on an unrelated gun charge.

Mason allegedly said, according to Cobb, that “we lose one, they lose one.”

President George H.W. Bush was so moved after Byrne’s death that he kept the cop's badge in his Oval Office desk, Lawrence Byrne said.

“This was a terrible and incredible crime, because it was a crime that was intended to send a message to law enforcement and try to intimidate law enforcement, Bryne said. "It had the opposite effect."

The four defendants were ultimately convicted of murdering the young officer. Cobb, Todd Scott and Phil Copeland were convicted in 1989. A fourth defendant, David McClary, was convicted in a separate trial.

Trial evidence included a city medical examiner's graphic testimony about the catastrophic injuries to Byrne’s head from five shots that essentially destroyed his brain.

Cobb, Scott, Copeland and McClary all come up for parole again this year, Lawrence Byrne said. Mason, convicted on federal charges, including ordering Edward Byrne's killing, was sentenced to life in prison without parole, he said.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

February 25, 2020

During my shift I process reports and listen to shows on YouTube. Today I heard the FBI Files covering the case against the drug dealer who had Officer Byrne murdered.

The footage of the funeral broke my heart. No doubt that was his parents, his mother, looking shocked, deep in unbelievable grief at his funeral.

Ma'am, I want you to know that no matter how long it has been, we still honor your boy. We still learn about his death, the work that went into bringing his killers to justice, and know that you still miss him like it was yesterday. Your grief is shouldered by many still and we will never forget him.

Constable A Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

August 12, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Byrne. My dad served with the 102nd precinct for almost forty years. You were a young man, brave and full of integrity. You got that from your parents and from being with your dad, a New York City officer too.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 3, 2019

Still think of you very, very often, Ed. You're my silent partner every tour.

Det. Dan

February 26, 2019