LONG ISLAND, NY — Beyond the headlines and stories that have blanketed New York City and Long Island since NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller was killed Monday in an on-duty shooting in Far Rockaway — there is the heartbreaking reality of very young family left behind.
When he died at the age of 31, Officer Diller left behind his wife Stephanie and their 1-year-old son Dylan.
The couple's baby registry was published just last year — capturing all the joy and promise they felt as they awaited the birth of their beloved son. And now, with their child so young, there were so many “firsts” still to come. According to a New York Times report, Dylan was just starting to get his baby teeth.
All over Long Island, hearts ached with utter loss. And one group, Project Thank A Cop, jumped into action, organizing a collection to meet the immediate needs of a young mother caring for her baby — diapers, wipes, baby food, toys, gift cards and more.
In the North Fork, donations can be dropped off at Wendy's Deli, located at 55 Middle Rd, Mattituck, NY 11952. A volunteer will drive these donations to the Seventh Precinct, located at 3636 Merrick Road in Seaford, where they will be collected until April 5.
Grief is heavy for miles as hearts mourn a man who has so much ahead of him, dedicated to keeping the public safe and devoted to his family.
“Officer Jonathan Diller was more than a hero,” the NYC PBA said. “He was a father, a husband, a son. New York has lost a protector, but this family has lost so much more. We need your prayers and support — for Jonathan's family and for every #BlueFamily still waiting for a hero to return to home.”
Maegan Fox, who created the Wantaugh-based “Project Thank A Cop” group, said she felt compelled to help. “This is a labor of love,” he said. “We want to surround this family with love, whatever it takes.”
Fox said Project Thank A Cop was launched in 2020 to support police officers through gift baskets and other gestures and support. the group has swelled to thousands of members, including children, who set up stands to sell lemonade, hot cocoa and cider to help.
Since she put out the appeal for donations for Officer Diller's family, donations have poured in at an unprecedented rate, Fox said. “It's quite a sight. We raised more in one day than we did in the whole year last year.”
Fox said, even though she had never met Officer Diller in person, “When it comes down to it, we're all one big family.”
She was moved to tears all week, Fox said. “I probably haven't stopped crying until this morning.” But now, she said, with her nonprofit setting up a funeral comfort station, “It's crunch time,” with volunteers galvanizing to help.
As for donations, in light of everything that has been given so far, Fox said there is still a need for diapers, size 7 and up.
Additionally, Fox said they'd like to see Stephanie receive some “mom-based” donations, including gift cards to Sephora, Ulta, anything to cheer her up. Gift cards to DoorDash and Uber Eats are appreciated, as well as supermarkets such as King Kullen, which donated a generous gift card to the family.
All donations go directly to Stephanie, Fox said.
As the mother of a 9-year-old son, Fox said Officer Diller's death is unimaginable. “It's hitting home. It's so incredibly sad and senseless. I just want to focus on surrounding Stephanie and her son with love.”
And, as a woman whose father is a retired fire marshal who served in the 9/11 “Pile,” Fox said, “I feel so much for Ryan and what his life is going to be like. He's never going to meet his dad. Stephanie will always tell him how much his father loved him and tell him “Your dad was a hero”.
In addition to the donations, a fundraiser will be held at La Novella on April 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets will be $150 per person, with all proceeds benefiting Officer Diller's family.
“We're just trying to leave this world a better place than we found it,” Fox said.
