Tunnel to Towers pays off mortgage for NYPD Officer Diller’s wife, son
MASSAPEQUA PARK, Long Island (PIX11) – The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has promised to pay off the mortgage on NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller’s home following his death in Queens on Monday, the nonprofit announced on X.
Diller was fatally shot after approaching a gray SUV illegally parked at a bus stop in Far Rockaway. The passenger of the SUV, 34-year-old Guy Rivera, is accused of shooting Diller in the stomach below his bullet-proof vest.
Hundreds of people gathered at Brady Park in his hometown of Massapequa Park on Wednesday to honor the fallen officer at a candlelight vigil. Diller’s mom, sister, and brother held each other close as his brother-in-law spoke about their pain.
“He was born to be a hero. He died being a hero. He died doing what he loved,” said Joseph Linehop.
Wake to be held for fallen NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller
Diller was a three-year veteran of the police department, who was working for the community response team in Queens South when he was killed. During his career, he made more than 70 arrests and was awarded with excellent and meritorious police duty four times.
He leaves behind a wife and a 1-year-old son.
Tunnel to Towers CEO and chairman Frank Siller said in a statement to PIX11 News:
“Every day Officer Diller donned his uniform, there was a risk he may not come home. We will honor him not only for his sacrifice but for his unwavering resolve to protect the people of New York City. Tunnel to Towers is honored to ensure his family can stay in their home, forever.”
Frank Siller, Tunnel to Towers CEO and chairman
Tunnel to Towers has previously paid off the mortgages for families of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty or from 9/11-related illnesses who have young children.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
