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New Rochelle Police Department’s newest patrol boat, Marine 2, was named in honor of the late Police Officer Kathleen O’Connor-Funigiello at a special ceremony at the Harbor Patrol on Monday, May 12. Officer O’Connor-Funigiello assisted in rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero after the September 11th terrorist attacks and passed away in 2018 from illness related to that service. Attending Monday’s ceremony along with City and Police Department officials were family members, current and retired NRPD members, and Marine Units from United States Coast Guard Station Kings Point, FDNY, Westchester County, Village of Mamaroneck, City of Rye and Town of North Hempstead.

Marine 2 is a 2021 state-of-the-art patrol boat custom built for the waters of the Long Island Sound. The 33-foot Full Cabin Defender class vessel was crafted specifically for the NRPD by SAFE Boats International. Among its many capabilities is built-in radiological detection equipment, side scan sonar and underwater 3D imaging, fire suppression system, thermal imaging and night vision, and it is equipped for dive operations for the Department’s Dive Rescue Team. Marine 2 was purchased primarily through the funding of the Federal Port Security Grant secured by NRPD Harbor Unit Sgt. Tim Childs.

“Dedicating Police boats in honor of fallen officers is a police tradition that reflects the deep respect and remembrance law enforcement agencies have for those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said New Rochelle Police Commissioner Robert Gazzola. “These dedications serve as lasting tributes, ensuring that the names and legacies of officers continue to protect and serve, even beyond their time in uniform. We are grateful for a life that was dedicated to service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the people of New Rochelle: that of Police Officer Kathleen O’Connor-Funigiello.”

Officer O’Connor-Funigiello grew up in New Rochelle, and was hired by the Police Department on January 25, 1998.  She spent a large part of her career in the Police Services Division earning a Commendation Award.  Later in her career, she was assigned as the Warrant Officer in the Department’s Criminal Investigations Division.  In the aftermath of the September 11th Terrorist Attack of the World Trade Center, Officer O’Connor-Funigiello responded to Ground Zero to assist with the rescue and recovery efforts.  She volunteered her time to help other first responders sift through the debris piles. On August 16, 2018, after a long and courageous battle, Officer O’Connor-Funigiello died as a result of a 9/11 related illness.  On May 15th, 2019, Officer O’Connor-Funigiello was memorialized at the 38th Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service held in Washington D.C.