NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – The family of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who was fatally shot in Queens on Monday, will receive financial support from a New York–based nonprofit dedicated to helping families of fallen first responders.
"Their world stops, but the bills don't, so we seek to alleviate at least the financial portion," said Lauren Profeta, executive director of the group, Answer the Call.
The nonprofit, which is also known as the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund, will immediately provide $50,000 to Diller's wife, Stephanie, as well as an annual stipend that is currently $10,000.
Diller, 31, leaves behind not only his wife but the couple's young son. The family lives in Massapequa Park, where a vigil is planned Wednesday.
Diller, a three-year veteran of the department, was fatally shot in Far Rockaway on Monday evening when a passenger in an illegally parked car pulled a gun on him and his partner, police said.
"We mourn right alongside you," Profeta said. "We are heartbroken. We're outraged over the loss of their loved one. And our commitment to them is that we will always be there to help them."
"It's the least that we can do to provide some level of support to them," Profeta said. "And we hope it provides them some comfort to know that they're not alone."
Answer the Call has distributed more than $175 million to families since it was founded in 1985 by Mets player Daniel "Rusty" Staub. Last year alone, the group helped 550 families and distributed over $5.3 million. It serves families of the NYPD, FDNY and the Port Authority Police Department.
And the support it provides goes well beyond money.
"We have mentorship programs that we offer to the children of our fallen first responders," Profeta said. "We also host events. We have a big game at Citi Field every June."
To learn more or to donate, visit answerthecall.org.