Seven years have passed since NYPD Detective Miosotis Familia, a single mother of three, was killed while on duty in the Bronx. She was shot while sitting in a marked police unit. Recently, a memorial was held at the Bronx precinct where she worked.
Her daughter, Genesis Villella, remembers the tragic night vividly. “It was late at night, around 10 o’clock. She came into my room, told me she loved me, hugged and kissed me,” Villella recalled. Hours later, on July 5th, 2017, Familia, a 12-year NYPD veteran, was fatally shot.
Genesis Villella, who was 20 years old at the time, became the legal guardian of her twin siblings after their mother’s death. “I’m grateful to my sister Genesis for putting her life on hold and raising me and Delilah,” said Genesis’s brother, Peter Vega.
Miosotis Familia was the first female NYPD officer killed in the line of duty since 9/11. “She was always there to offer advice and help,” said NYPD Assistant Chief Benjamin Gurley.
The memorial took place outside the 46th Precinct, where a mural of Familia is painted. Familia’s children are now advocating for legislation to secure their mother’s pension benefits. Current law limits these benefits for children of single-parent officers who die on duty, ending support at age 23 unless they are in college.
“We’re pushing for legislation that ensures orphans like us have access to these benefits,” said Villella. “When my mom died, I had to leave college to care for my siblings. She should have been there with me to see them graduate.”
The bill to extend benefits needs approval from the Senate and Assembly in Albany. Though the recent legislative session ended in June without passing the bill, Familia’s family remains hopeful for its approval in the next session starting in January.