Members of law enforcement and other services flooded Merrick Road in Massapequa on Long Island Saturday for a final salute to their brother in blue, Jonathan Diller.

“Words are just not possible. There is not much I can say to take away this loss,” Mayor Eric Adams said.


What You Need To Know

  • Members of law enforcement and other services flooded Merrick Road in Massapequa on Long Island Saturday for a final salute to their brother in blue, Jonathan Diller

  • Diller was just 31 years old when he was shot and killed during a car stop in Far Rockaway, Queens on Monday

  • Diller’s widow is calling for change
  • Diller is being buried at St. Charles Cemetary in Farmingdale

Diller was just 31 years old when he was shot and killed during a car stop in Far Rockaway, Queens on Monday. He was a son, brother, husband and father to a one-year-old baby boy.

During the eulogy of Diller’s funeral service, his widow Stephanie said he wanted nothing more than to be a dad.

“He was excited that Ryan’s first words were ‘dada,’” Stephanie Diller said. “I never want to stop hearing Ryan say ‘dada.’”

On Monday, Diller and his colleagues approached a vehicle illegally parked in a bus stop. When they ordered the two people inside to exit the car, the passenger opened fire, striking Diller right below his bullet-proof vest.

The alleged gunman has a long criminal history with 21 prior arrests.

Diller’s widow is calling for change.

“It’s been two years, two months since Det. Mora and Det. Rivera made the ultimate sacrifice just like my husband, Jonathan Diller. Dominique Rivera stood in front of all the elected officials present today, pleading for change. That change never came, and now my son will grow up without his father and I will grow old without my husband and his parents had to say goodbye to their child,” Stephanie Diller said.

Diller’s colleagues described him as a cop’s cop who lead by example. In just three years on the job, Diller was given three commendations and, at his funeral, a posthumous promotion to first grade detective.

“I’m honored and privileged to promote police officer Jonathan Diller to detective first grade,” NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban said.

The NYPD vowed to never forget Dillers’ sacrifice and be there for the family whenever they need.

“As police officers, we know we have a difficult job, but there’s nothing harder than losing one of our own and seeing a family devastated,” PBA President Patrick Hendry said.

Det.Diller made an arrest just days before his murder, taking an illegal gun off the street.

Stephanie Diller said he was always her hero and now the rest of the world is catching up.

He is being buried at St. Charles Cemetary in Farmingdale.