A Bronx street corner was renamed Saturday for a fallen NYPD hero.
Mayor de Blasio presided over the ceremony alongside the family of Det. Joseph Lemm, 45, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2015 while serving with the Air National Guard when his convoy was attacked by a suicide bomber.
“We know that Detective Lemm’s colleagues called him Superman,” the mayor said of the 15-year police veteran, “because Joe did things that everyday people couldn’t imagine themselves doing. Even his fellow officers were in awe of his commitment and his abilities.”
A 15-year NYPD veteran, Lemm “gave his all,” de Blasio added.
“He gave his all at Ground Zero. He gave his all in his work everyday, amassing an impressive 427 arrests, five commendations. He gave his all serving his nation – three tours of duty in the Air Force, one in Iraq, two in Afghanistan. He gave his all by giving his life for his country.”
The corner of Bay Shore and Ampere avenues is across from the Ampere Fishing and Yacht Club, where Lemm and wife Christine went on their first date, she said.
“This day means the world to me and the kids,” Christine Lemm said of the street renaming, calling it “an amazing honor.” “We’ve celebrated so many holidays and special occasions here together with the club members, my beautiful children here, Brooke and Ryan.
She noted the club was also the spot where they shared their last date, right before his August 2015 deployment.
“I know that Joe wouldn’t want us to mourn his death but rather celebrate his life. It is, however, much easier said than done. Please cherish every moment together with your love ones because you never know when it may be your last.”