Bohemia Street Renamed After 'Devoted' Late 9/11 First Responder

BOHEMIA, NY — A beloved Long Island police officer and 9/11 first responder was recently remembered near his own home.

Family and friends celebrated the life of Det. Harry O. D'Onofrio in a street reaming in his honor on Friday at the intersection of Fulton Avenue at Thirteenth Street in Bohemia.

Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, members of the NYPD’s EMU and DEA units also attended.

Born in Brooklyn, and the son of a New York City Police Department officer, D'Onofrio was "destined for a life of service to others," a release said.

He joined the West Sayville Fire Department at just 18 years old, where he served as a member for an extraordinary 43 years, rising to the rank of chief from 2000 to 2001.

In 1984, D'Onofrio joined the NYPD. Through "dedication and hard work", he rose to the rank of detective for the Emergency Service Unit.

He would respond to many high-profile incidents, including the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 and the crash of American Airlines Flight 587.

“Though it is but a small gesture to recognize a life so large, it is the Town’s great honor to display the name of local hero Det. Harry O. D’Onofrio for all to see and to remember,” said Carpenter.

In 2004, D'Onofrio retired from the NYPD, however his call to serve did not end. He would continue to serve the community and keep the Connetquot School District Safe as a Security Officer.

At 61 years old, he tragically succumbed to an illness contracted while responding to and operating at the site of the World Trade Center attack, a release said.

D'Onofrio was a "devoted husband" to his wife Merrill, an "adored father" to sons Patrick and Brian, daughters-in-laws Amber and Danielle and grandfather to four grandchildren.

“Harry’s devotion to protect and to serve our community for over 43 years is a legacy that will be missed and remembered by all who knew him,” said Carpenter.