The partner of slain Brooklyn cop Peter Figoski was honored today for his heroism and promoted to the rank of detective by Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.
Officer Glenn Estrada chased down Figoski’s alleged killer Lamont Pride following a robbery on Dec. 12 in Cypress Hills.
“He was cool and calm during the whole pursuit,” Kelly said of Estrada. “Obviously, he knew a gun was involved. He saw the gun in the individual’s hands. When he got down to the corner where he was apprehended, he saw him put the gun under the car so he knew this was an armed individual.”
Kelly added, “We’re proud of him. Of course, it’s a terrible tragedy losing Officer Figoski, but at least something good came of it as a result of the recognition of Officer Estrada today.”
Figoski and Estrada, who had been partners for four years, were investigating a burglary when the ex-con shot Figoski in the face. Pride and four others have been charged with murder.
Figoski was also posthumously elevated to detective during the emotional ceremony at Police Headquarters.
Kelly had promoted the 22-year veteran to first-grade detective, retroactive to a year ago, after he’d been gunned down.
Figoski’s boss, Inspector Jeffrey Maddrey, the commanding officer of the 75th Precinct, was promoted to deputy chief.
“As we celebrate these promotions we hold in our hearts and our prayers Officer Peter Figoski who gave his life in the line of duty. The murder of a police officer is not a solitary event. This is an assault upon society,” said Kelly. “This is an assault upon all of us. The entire city grieves for this terrible loss.”