QUEENS — The rookie officers who were attacked last month by a hatchet-wielding man said the assailant "came out of nowhere," but the training they received at the police academy "kicked in," allowing them to respond quickly.
The officers — Joseph Meeker, Kenneth Healey, Peter Rivera and Taylor Kraft of the 103rd Precinct — were attacked on Oct. 23. when a freelance photographer asked to take their picture on Jamaica Avenue near 162nd Street.
As the officers posed for the photo, Zale Thompson, who police said was inspired by Islamic terror groups, charged at them from less than 20 yards away swinging a metal hatchet, police officials said.
Kraft saw the attacker first and was able to warn Meeker and Healey, who “were closest to the perpetrator,” said Deputy Inspector John Cappelmann, commanding officer of the 103rd Precinct, at a ceremony held by the Jamaica Rotary Club on Wednesday honoring officers from several Queens precincts.
Thompson struck Meeker, 24, in the right arm. He then swung again, striking Healey, 25, in the back of the head, knocking him to the ground.
At that point, Cappelmann said, Rivera and Kraft “were able to fire rounds to stop the perpetrator, put him down and stop the attack,” Cappelmann said.
The entire incident, from the moment Thompson pulled out the ax till the time the officers fired their weapons, lasted 6 seconds, according to Cappelmann.
“These three young men saved Kenny Healey’s life," said Cappelmann, referring to Meeker, Rivera and Kraft, adding that Meeker immedialety gave first aid to Healey.
Healey was later taken to Jamaica Hospital, where he underwent surgery. He is currently recovering at home but will require another surgery in three to six months, Cappelmann said.
Rivera and Kraft went back to work within a week after the attack. Meeker, who said his arm is still sore, returned to the precinct on Monday.
"I'm glad to be back," Meeker said. "I always wanted to be a cop."
Rivera, who prior to joining the NYPD spent seven years in the U.S. Army, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, said the attacker “came out of nowhere."
"I think we reacted the best way we could have,” he said. “I’m just happy that everybody walked away the best that they could.”
Rivera's mother, Sharon Uebel, said that she was very proud of her son. “His military background helped those cops and saved their lives,” she said. “He didn’t hesitate one moment.”
Samantha Warasila, officer Meeker’s girlfriend, said the incident made her fully realize the dangers of police work.
“It was awful. I feel like I was naïve thinking that everything will be fine," she said.
“But that’s what he wants to do," Warasila added about Meeker. "He wants to be out there, he wants to help and I have to support him.”
Kraft said that the four attacked officers became close friends. He also noted they are in constant touch with Healey who, they said, is expected to make a full recovery.
“I just hope it never happens again,” Kraft said.
