Today, on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we pause to honor and remember the 2,403 Americans killed in the December 7, 1941, Japanese surprise attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. The attack propelled the U.S. into the deadliest war in world history — World War II. On December 8, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, addressing a joint session of Congress, proclaimed, “Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy,” placing America on war footing against tyrannical regimes. More than 400,000 Americans would ultimately perish fighting for the freedom we enjoy today — a debt that can never be repaid. They are forever known as the Greatest Generation.
In Remembrance: Retired Port Authority Police Officer Louis DeMartino
The Port Authority PBA is saddened by the passing of our Brother, retired Port Authority Police Officer Louis “Weegie” DeMartino. Police Officer DeMartino protected the people of New York, New Jersey and the millions using Port Authority facilities daily from January 14, 1974, though his retirement on April 10, 1993. He had served most of his career in the PAPD Port Authority Bus Terminal Command. Weegie, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Forever a “BT Cop.”
In Remembrance: Retired PAPD Police Officer Edmund Hom
The Port Authority PBA is saddened to learn of the recent passing of our Brother, retired PAPD Police Officer Edmund Hom. Eddie served with the Port Authority Police Department from September 28, 1987, until his retirement on September 30, 2020. For 33 years, Eddie protected the people of New York, New Jersey and the millions using Port Authority facilities daily with selfless courage and dedication.
In Remembrance: Philadelphia Police Officer Andy Chan
Rest in peace, Philadelphia Police Officer Andy Chan (EOW 12/2/2025). Police Officer Chan, a Philadelphia Police Highway Patrol motorcycle officer, was struck by a vehicle and critically injured in 2019. His injuries, which included a brain injury, prevented him from returning to active duty and required constant medical care. He succumbed to his injuries on December 2, 2025.
PAPD WTC Command Police Officers Welcome Survivor Families
Recently, Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) New York Metro Chapter and Law Enforcement Officers Weekend (LEO Weekend) hosted the families of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty for a visit to New York City.
During their stay, the families visited the World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Austin Glickman, founder and president of LEO Weekend, said, “The PAPD welcomed us with open arms!” PAPD WTC Command Police Officers Siver and Ferrara greeted the families and took photos with them.
In Remembrance: U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom
Rest in peace, United States Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a member of the West Virginia National Guard. Specialist Beckstrom was ambushed and shot while protecting the people of Washington, D.C., on November 26. She succumbed to her wounds the following day. Specialist Beckstrom was 20 years old and had served in the West Virginia National Guard since 2023. She was assigned to the 863rd Military Police Company, 11th Engineer Brigade. Sarah, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. You will always be honored and remembered.