On Tuesday, the children of slain NYPD Detective Miosotis Familia spoke at her funeral, remembering her as a “protector, defender, guidance counselor, spiritual adviser … philosopher, philanthropist, theorist and mother.”
Her 12-year-old son, Peter, and her 20-year-old daughter, Genesis Vilella, both spoke at the service, where their mother was posthumously promoted to Detective First-Grade prior to the funeral.
Vilella spoke about how she was “proud” of her mother and shared that 12 years ago, to the day, her mother had fulfilled her dream of officially becoming part of the NYPD. “She went to work every day for us. And she took that tour knowing the consequences that came with it,” she said.
–NYPD officer switched to night shift just weeks before murder–
“I know when she went to work that night, when she sat in that (NYPD) truck, she had me and my siblings in her heart,” she said.
The emotional Vilella recalled the last time she saw her mother alive, just before midnight. She said that her mother hugged her and pinched her cheeks.
“And I said, ‘Can I have one more hug?’” Villella said, weeping openly at the memory. “And she said, ‘Of course you can.’ And I said, ‘I love you so much, mom. I’ll see you tomorrow.’ ”
Peter also spoke at the funeral and urged those attending to tell someone you love them, “anybody you see.”
Familia, who also had a 12-year-old daughter in addition to Peter and Vilella, was shot and killed while she was sitting in her police vehicle. Thousands gathered to mourn her on Tuesday and to show their support.
