Widow of fallen COVID cop seeks a spot on memorial wall at NYPD headquarters

New York Post - Apr 26th, 2025

NYPD officers who succumbed to COVID-19 during the pandemic are being championed by their families and union officials to be commemorated as heroes. Detective James Abear, who died in April 2020, is among the officers whose family is calling for their inclusion on the Hall of Heroes wall at One Police Plaza. Abear's widow, Catharine, emphasizes the need for recognition not only for their sacrifice but also for their children's legacy. The families are pushing for the names of these officers, who braved the unknown dangers of early COVID-19 exposure while performing their duties, to be memorialized alongside those who died in the line of duty or from 9/11-related illnesses.

The story highlights the broader struggle faced by the NYPD in acquiring protective equipment during the pandemic's early days, as recalled by Detectives Endowment Association President Scott Munro. With nearly 70 NYPD members succumbing to the virus, the union's initial challenges underscore the risks faced by detectives like Abear and his peers Cedric Dixon, Jack Polimeni, Jeffrey Scalf, Robert Cardona, and Christopher McDonnell, all of whom passed within a two-week span. Honoring these officers not only pays tribute to their commitment but also serves as a poignant reminder of the pandemic's impact on frontline workers. Their families have received line of duty benefits, and memorials exist in locations such as Ground Zero and Washington, D.C., yet the call for their inclusion at One Police Plaza remains a significant gesture towards preserving their legacy.

Covid 19 Nypd Pandemic Impact Detective James Abear Hall Of Heroes Detectives Endowment Association Scott Munro Frontline Workers

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article effectively highlights the emotional and societal significance of recognizing NYPD officers who died from COVID-19 as heroes. It excels in presenting personal narratives that resonate with readers, emphasizing the human impact of the pandemic on law enforcement families. However, the article would benefit from a more balanced presentation of perspectives, particularly from official NYPD sources, to provide a comprehensive view of the memorialization issue. The lack of diverse sources and transparency regarding the basis of some claims slightly undermines its credibility. Despite these limitations, the article addresses a timely and relevant topic with potential public interest and impact, making it a valuable contribution to ongoing discussions about how society honors those who served during the pandemic.

Accuracy

The story provides a generally accurate depiction of the events and sentiments surrounding the deaths of NYPD officers due to COVID-19. It accurately reports on the call for these officers to be recognized on the Hall of Heroes wall, aligning with the broader trend of recognizing pandemic-related sacrifices. However, the article lacks verification on specific NYPD policies regarding the inclusion of COVID-19 deaths as line-of-duty fatalities. The mention of nearly 70 NYPD members who died from COVID-19 is consistent with broader reports but should be cross-referenced with official NYPD records for precision. The narrative about Detective James Abear and others is supported by personal accounts, which are credible but require additional corroboration for complete factual accuracy.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of the families and union officials advocating for the recognition of officers who died from COVID-19 as heroes. While this is a valid viewpoint, the piece could benefit from a more balanced representation by including perspectives from NYPD officials or city policymakers who might provide insights into the decision-making process for memorializations. The lack of counterpoints or alternative views on the criteria for inclusion on the Hall of Heroes wall results in a somewhat one-sided narrative, which affects the overall balance of the article.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language to convey its main points. The narrative follows a logical progression, starting with the personal story of Detective James Abear and expanding to include other officers and the broader issue of memorialization. The use of quotes effectively adds emotional depth and clarity to the story. However, the article could benefit from clearer context regarding official NYPD policies to aid reader understanding.

Source quality

The article relies heavily on quotes from family members and union representatives, which are valuable for conveying personal and emotional perspectives. However, it lacks input from official NYPD sources or other authoritative entities that could provide a more comprehensive view of the policies and criteria for memorialization. The reliance on a single type of source limits the depth of the article and could be perceived as lacking in thoroughness and objectivity.

Transparency

The article clearly presents the views and motivations of the family members and union officials, but it does not disclose the methodology for how these views were gathered or whether additional perspectives were sought but not included. The lack of transparency about the sources of some claims, particularly those related to NYPD policies, affects the reader's ability to fully trust the information presented. A more explicit discussion of the sources and potential limitations of the information would enhance transparency.