NYC street named after slain NYPD lieutenant 50 years later as cop grandson receives his shield number
An NYPD lieutenant who was shot during a robbery while walking to work in Queens 50 years ago had a street renamed in his honor Saturday – as his NYPD officer grandson received a shield with his number on it.
Lt. Henry Schmiemann was shot and killed on June 20, 1974, at the corner of Penelope Avenue and 74th Place near his Queens home.
His grandson, also named Henry Schmiemann, called it an honor to wear his grandfather’s shield number.
“I feel like I’ve been given a responsibility greater than what is behind the NYPD, which is immense,” the grandson, who lives in his grandfather’s house, said. “I’m just glad everyone’s here celebrating my grandfather.”
His uncle Peter Schmiemann said he was proud his nephew would be wearing his dad’s badge number.
“Our father left way too early, but we know that Henry is going to get the guidance and help from my father as he does his job,” the proud uncle said.
The elder Schmiemann’s killer, John Smith, is serving life at Wende Correctional Facility in Erie County but has a parole hearing set for August, online state records show.
City Councilman Robert Holden, a Queens Democrat, sponsored the street renaming.
