_______ Malverne/West HeMpstead ______
HERALD Also serving Lakeview
For 30+ Years!
Remembering the fallen heroes
Fleet Week brings seafarers ashore
Page 3
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Vol. 31 No. 24
JUNE 6 - 12, 2024
$1.00
Officer Diller’s memory lives on in garden Stephanie said, with Ryan in her arms. “Our biggest supporter. Even after he’s passed, he It all began with a T-shirt. c o n t i n u e s t o s u p p o r t u s, Twelve-year-old Alana Torre- because he’s sent so many wongrossa’s idea to honor fallen derful people. His spirit is in Officer Jonathan Diller, of the your hearts in order for you New York City Police Depart- guys to do something, to think ment, has since bloomed into a of us,” she added, referring to community garden that will for- the neighbors who came together to create the garever commemorate den. “He comes to Diller’s sacrifice. you guys and you D i l l e r, 3 1 , a guys reach out to Franklin Square me. I continue to native, was shot and feel his love even killed while on duty after all this.” in March, leaving In addition to behind his wife, rows of NYPD offiStephanie, who is cers who stood at originally from attention, dozens of Malverne, and their STEphANIE DIllER neighbors and elect1 - y e a r - o l d s o n , Jonathan Diller’s ed officials attended widow Ryan. to honor Diller’s Though her hussacrifice. band died, Stepha“This was put together by the nie has said she still feels his love everywhere she goes. The hearts of this community,” garden in his honor, in Garden Hempstead Town Supervisor City South Park in West Hemp- Don Clavin told Stephanie and stead, is another example of his Diller’s mother, Fran. “By the people who do love you, by the love living on. The corner of blue hydrangeas, commemorat- people that are never going to ed with a white wreath with her forget what was stolen from husband’s name on it, was offi- you. And we’ll honor him, and cially opened in a ceremony last we will treasure this garden right here.” Friday. But it was Torregrossa, a “Jonathan was our biggest cheerleader, me and Ryan,” Continued on page 5
By NIColE FoRMISANo
nformisano@liherald.com
Keith Rossein/Herald photos
Taking strides for their community Greg Waxman’s second annual benefit race, the Freedom 5k, raised thousands for Malverne’s American Legion Post 44, the fire department, and Crossroads Farm. The race also benefited the Police Benevolent Association’s Sgt. Thomas Winters scholarship and the Det. Steven McDonald Foundation, which honors a late detective from Malverne. The race — fittingly on Memorial Day — ultimately raised $14,000. Story, more photos, Page 2.
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continue to feel his love, even after all this.