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The N.Y. Police and Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund has stepped up to support the widow and 1-year-old son of fallen NYPD officer Jonathan Diller.
The nonprofit group, also known as Answer the Call, will be providing Diller’s widow with $50,000 to help alleviate any immediate financial concerns she might be facing.
The group, which was founded by the late Mets great Rusty Staub in 1985, is also putting plans in place to provide her with financial support for the rest of her life with a $10,000 annual stipend.
Answer the Call officials made the announcement Tuesday morning, just a day after Diller, 31, of Massapequa Park, died of a gunshot wound to the torso in Queens.
Diller, assigned to the NYPD’s Critical Response Team, was among two police officers conducting a vehicle stop at 19-19 Mott Avenue when a subject inside the car shot at the officers. The fatal shot entered Dillon’s torso, beneath his vest, police said.
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of officer Jonathan Diller, a husband, a father, a son, a hero,” said said Lauren Profeta, Answer the Call’s executive director. “Our hearts break for his family and the entire NYPD.
“We believe the best way to honor our fallen heroes is to help the families they have left behind.”
Related: Candlelight vigil planned for slain NYPD officer
Since its inception in 1985, Answer the Call has distributed over $175 million directly to the families of those who lost a loved one in the line of duty. Last year alone, the group helped approximately 550 families and distributed over $5.3 million, according to today’s announcement.
Looking to donate?
Donations can be made on the website or by mailing checks to:
NY Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund
PO Box 26837
New York, NY 10087-6837
