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Name Bronx School After Sergeant Fatally Shot in Line of Duty, Locals Say

By Kate Pastor | August 31, 2017 12:32pm
 Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo's casket is carried out of his hearse outside St. Rose of Lima church in Massapequa, Long Island.
Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo's casket is carried out of his hearse outside St. Rose of Lima church in Massapequa, Long Island.
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DNAinfo/Katie Honan

THE BRONX — A campaign is underway to have a school named after a sergeant from the 43rd Precinct who was fatally shot in the line of duty last year.

A letter prepared by Community Board 9, which will be sent to Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña requesting the change, said Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo patrolled and supervised officers in and around schools in the district and was "a hero to many, treasured by school administrators, teachers, students, and parents alike."

It requests that P.S. 583, at 1028 White Plains Road, be named to honor Tuozzolo to "serve as a tribute for children to live a life of dedication, caring, and integrity."

On Nov. 4, 2016, the 41-year-old husband and father of two was shot in the head and killed by Manuel Rosales, 35, who had broken into his estranged wife's house in The Bronx.  Tuozzolo and Sgt. Emmanuel Kwo confronted the heavily armed Rosales near Beach Avenue and Merrill Street in Van Nest.

Rosales — who officials said had 17 prior arrests — was also killed during the exchange of gunfire with officers. Kwo was shot in the leg.

The community board's letter, which notes that Tuozzolo's wife is an educator, includes a list of seven politicians who support the naming.

"I remember well that horrible day," said Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, whose district is covered by the 43rd Precinct. "Honor is due for this fallen, dedicated and caring officer. I can think of no better way than by naming P.S. 583 after him."

Angela Laguer, recording secretary for 43rd Precinct Community Council, said naming a school after  Tuozzolo is a "small gesture."

"But we don’t want the community to forget his sacrifice," she added.

“We value the opportunity to honor New Yorkers who have given so much to our City," said Michael Aciman, deputy press secretary for the city's Department of Education, "and we will continue work closely with principals and school communities throughout the naming process."