NYPD officer honored with sergeant rank 25 years after family lost on 9/11
Joseph Vigiano Jr. of the NYPD was promoted to sergeant, a milestone that comes nearly a quarter-century after his detective father and FDNY uncle were killed in the September 11 attacks.
At a ceremony on Monday in Manhattan’s 1 Police Plaza, NYPD officer Joseph Vigiano Jr. was elevated to the rank of sergeant, joining a cohort of 100 newly promoted members. The honor arrives almost 25 years after his father, Emergency Service Unit Detective Joseph Vigiano Sr., and his uncle, FDNY Ladder 132 firefighter John T. Vigiano II, perished while responding to the World Trade Center attacks. Vigiano Jr., who has been assigned to ESU Truck 7 and has worn his father’s shield number 4511 since becoming a detective, expressed pride in continuing the family tradition of service.
Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised the family’s resilience, noting their intimate understanding of the sacrifices involved. Vigiano recalled his father’s humor and community involvement, while his wife Jenny lauded his dedication, and his son Joey, who dreams of piloting a police helicopter, clung to his side during the ceremony. He will now proceed to sergeant school at the NYPD academy before receiving a new command.
Why it matters
The promotion underscores the enduring legacy of families who serve public safety after the 9/11 tragedy.
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