EAST VILLAGE — Police officers gathered outside the Ninth Precinct stationhouse Monday night at a vigil to honor Bianca Bennett, a young officer at the start of her career at the precinct who died in a fiery car crash last week.
Bennett, who was 27, had been passionate about her job at the precinct and loved her fellow officers, recalled her mother Yvette, who thanked the officers gathered for their support following her daughter's passing.
"I've heard nothing but wonderful stories from my angel," said Yvette Bennett. "She loved you guys. She loved this precinct. She loved her job."
Bennett's mother encouraged those gathered — more than 100 officers, many holding candles as they paid their respects — to cherish their loved ones, and to cast aside any familial strife that may come between them.
"I wish that I could turn back the hands of time," she said. "Our family is very strong and we all know that we love each other, but if I just had one more moment to tell Bianca how great she was, I would give anything.
"We're at a loss right now, but it's with your support, your love, and the love that you've shown my daughter that we'll get through this. I may have lost my angel in the physical [world], but we gained all of you."
Bennett had been the passenger in a 2012 Dodge Charger on City Island Circle in The Bronx on the night of Feb. 1 when the car flipped and went up in flames. She was discovered at the crash site, unresponsive with severe burns, and was declared dead at the scene.
The 9th Precinct took to Twitter to mourn the loss, calling Bennett, who was off-duty at the time of the accident, a "true shining star."
Thank You everyone for the outpouring of support during this difficult time as we prepare to say goodbye to a true shining star #NYPD pic.twitter.com/Wr1xpgZ3Qh
— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) February 3, 2017
The 32-year-old off-duty officer at the wheel at the time of the crash suffered burns on both his legs and was taken to Jacobi Hospital in critical condition, police said.
He was identified as Sgt. Randolph Price of the nearby Police Service Area 4 on both the PSA4 and the 9th Precinct's Twitter accounts. The 9th Precinct extended its well wishes to the recovering officer days after the crash.
As we continue to mourn our loss, we extend heartfelt thoughts and prayers for @SBANYPD Sgt Price of @NYPDPSA4 as he continues to recover pic.twitter.com/wE9hm0wN8Q
— NYPD 9th Precinct (@NYPD9Pct) February 4, 2017
