By Jill Colvin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
ONE POLICE PLAZA – The NYPD bestowed its highest honor to a detective gunned down by another officer in East Harlem while he was chasing a man who tried to break into his car while he was off-duty.
Det. Omar Edwards, 25, was given the posthumous Medal of Honor Tuesday at the NYPD's annual Medal Day Ceremony. Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly presented the award to the Edwards' son, Xavier, and his widow, Danielle.
"We are deeply grateful for everything Omar Edwards accomplished and the many lives he touched while he was with us," Kelly said.
A second Medal of Honor was awarded to Sgt. Timothy Smith, who was severely injured on the job when he was attacked by an emotionally disturbed person wielding a large kitchen knife. Smith was stabbed in the eye, head and chest, and has undergone months of physical therapy.
A total of 51 golden medals were awarded by the mayor and Kelly to officers who demonstrated exceptional bravery or who have been killed or injured in the line of duty.
“All the men and women we honor today have shown a willingness to put themselves in harm’s way to protect others,” Bloomberg told the crowd of uniformed officers and family members gathered at One Police Plaza. "Today’s ceremony is our opportunity to renew our commitment to protecting all those who have sworn to protect us.”
Susie McMurry's husband, Christopher, was among 11 fallen officers honored for their work at the World Trade Center Site. McMurry was awarded the Distinguished Medal of Service on his behalf.
"I'm very proud, but it's hard," Susie McMurry said, tears welling in her eyes as she sat with her sons, Fred, 11 and Billy, 9. "I miss him so much."
