NYC cops injured in New Year’s Eve machete attack honored for bravery
The three NYPD officers injured when a maniac ambushed them with a foot-long blade on New Year’s Eve near Times Square were honored for their bravery Wednesday.
Officers Paul Cozzolino, Mickel Hanna and Louis Iorio were working the holiday security detail at West 52nd Street and 8th Avenue around 10 p.m. when alleged wannabe jihadist Trevor Bickford, 19, lunged at the officers stationed there, authorities have said.
The three wounded cops – who have since returned to full duty – were each given city proclamations honoring their bravery during a morning ceremony at City Hall.
“There isn’t a time when we can just look at the ball drop, or we can just watch the confetti in the sky,” Mayor Eric Adams said.
“We have to constantly be vigilant to watch those who are here to disrupt our public safety. Today, we’re here to salute three of our police officers who displayed their professionalism that we have known to see in the men and women of the NYPD.”
“The courage they showed on New Year’s Eve is a clear example of the courage that is shown every day.”
Bickford, of Maine, used a kukri, a bladed weapon similar to a machete, during the attack, according to court documents.
Cozzolino, a rookie who was working his first day on the patrol, suffered a fractured skull.
Officer Louis Iorio suffered a gash to the head, and Hanna — also a rookie with less than a year on the job at the time — shot Bickford in the shoulder.
“Officers Hanna, Cozzolino and Iorio returning to work is a welcome sight, but it is by no means surprising,” Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell said.
“They are back because their determination and dedication to keep New Yorkers safe requires it.”
“On behalf of the entire NYPD and the people that we serve, thank you, officers,” Sewell said.
“You prove once again what the NYPD is about, and who the NYPD officers are every single day for the people of this city.”
Bickford was arraigned in February on an 18-count state indictment – including six terrorism-related charges, which allow for increased penalties.
He pleaded not guilty.
He also appeared in Manhattan federal court to answer to four counts of attempting to murder officers and employees of the US government.
Although he did not enter a plea, he consented to remain behind bars pending his trial.
