An NYPD supervisor ordered cops not to wear their uniforms at the funeral of an officer who killed an innocent man and himself by driving the wrong way on the New York State Thruway because it would be bad publicity, The Post has learned.
“New York City police officers are being prohibited from wearing their uniforms at the wake and funeral of another police officer,” a source told The Post. “In what is clearly a tragedy for both families, a decision was made to cast a pall on the life of a man who lived to serve both the country and city.”
Police Officer Richard Christopher was on his way to work on Aug. 12 when he drove his 2002 Dodge Dakota truck south on the northbound side of the Thruway, colliding head-on with a 2003 Honda driven by James DeVito.
The 32-year-old Army veteran and the 59-year old Mount St. Mary College chef were both killed instantly.
State Police said there were no signs of drugs or alcohol, but toxicology tests are still pending.
During roll call at Christopher’s 43rd Precinct station house Monday, cops who had planned to show up in dress uniforms and stand by his casket were warned to shun the longtime tradition.
“They’re treating this like he snapped and shot up a school bus full of children,” the source added.
Rank-and-file colleagues were told the uniform decision came from police brass to avoid “negative publicity,” a source said.
NYPD Chief Kim Royster said the department is sending pallbearers to the funeral home in Rockland County.
The US Army will provide an honor guard at the Frederick Loescher Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Hempstead, LI.