In a moving tribute to fallen NYPD officer Eddie Byrne, a dedicated group of retired officers and automobile enthusiasts have embarked on a project to restore the 1987 Chevy Caprice patrol car that he was in when he was tragically murdered 37 years ago. Officer Byrne was just 22 years old when he was shot while guarding a witness’s home in Queens on February 26, 1988.

The Tragic Incident

Officer Byrne’s life was cut short during a nighttime ambush, where he was shot five times while on duty. His sacrifice left a deep impact on the community and the NYPD, which has prompted ongoing remembrance efforts.

Restoration Efforts

A team led by former NYPD officers, including John Schwartz and Jason Caputo, is now taking on the mission of restoring Byrne’s patrol car. The vehicle has experienced considerable wear and tear over the years, suffering from damage related to flooding during Superstorm Sandy as well as a fire at the Erie Basin NYPD warehouse.

After four years of advocacy, the restoration team successfully transported the vehicle to Long Island. The total cost for the restoration is projected to be around $50,000, funded entirely through private donations.

Community Involvement

Schwartz reflected on the camaraderie that formed in the wake of Byrne’s death, saying, “When he was killed, the word went out that, whenever a cop is killed you just show up. Whatever I can do. And that’s what we did.”

Caputo also expressed the emotional weight of the project, stating, “Knowing that an officer at the age of 22 was shot because of his uniform, because of the vehicle he sat in, and the job he was doing—it’s an emotional thing.”

Looking Ahead

The restoration team is aiming to complete the project within the coming year, with the goal of unveiling the vehicle on the anniversary of Officer Byrne’s death. Once restored, the vehicle will be displayed at the NYPD Police Academy, serving as a powerful reminder of the risks and sacrifices that law enforcement officers undertake daily.