By Joanna Putman
Police1
QUEENS, N.Y. — In a tribute to a fallen NYPD officer, the officer’s grandson, who also serves as an NYPD cop, was honored with a shield displaying the same number as his grandfather’s, the New York Post reported.
Lt. Henry Schmiemann, who was shot and killed during a robbery while walking to work 50 years ago, was honored with a street renaming ceremony on June 22, according to the report. In a poignant tribute, his grandson, also named Henry Schmiemann, received a police shield bearing his grandfather’s number during the ceremony.
“It’s an honor to wear my grandfather’s shield number,” the younger Schmiemann said. “I feel like I’ve been given a responsibility greater than what is behind the NYPD, which is immense. I’m just glad everyone’s here celebrating my grandfather.”
The new street sign was unveiled during the event, according to the report.
“Our father left way too early, but we know that Henry is going to get the guidance and help from my father as he does his job,” said Peter Schmiemann, Henry’s uncle.
The elder Schmiemann’s killer, John Smith, is serving a life sentence at Wende Correctional Facility in Erie County but has a parole hearing scheduled for August, according to state records