Syracuse Police Officer Dadey escorts Delores Howard and her grandson Wallie Howard.
/ Photograph by Matt Mulcahy.
Undercover Syracuse Police Officer Wallie Howard III killed 19 years ago
By Matt Mulcahy
Friday, October 30, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.
Read more: Local, Police, Syracuse, Wallie, Howard, Memorial, Officer
SYRACUSE -- The music of a bagpiper mixed with an autumn breeze as the honor guard carried the colors to honor a fallen hero. 19 years had passed, to the day, since Syracuse Police Officer Wallie Howard III was shot by a 16 year old drug dealer while making an undercover buy in front of Mario's Big M market on South Salina Street. Many of the men and women who worked the detail with Howard that day gathered in Forman Park near the marker that bears the names of all of the Syracuse officers killed in the line of duty.
Just as she was escorted and comforted 19 years ago Mrs. Delores Howard was once again led by the hand of a Syracuse Police Officer as she put her hand on the ceremonial wreath honoring her son. Her grandson Wallie Howard IV walked by her side. He was an eight year old boy when his father, the decorated officer, was killed. Wallie is now a towering man who interacts with the officers who rushed to help his father that day.
Police Chief Gary Miguel saluted in his dress blues along with his deputy chiefs as the honor guard passed. He also greeted Delores Howard with a hug and a kiss on the cheek as the came to the front of the gathering. Among the others gathered for this memorial were District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick who prosecuted the men who killed Officer Howard. Also, Sheriff Kevin Walsh, Federal Prosecutor Greg West, Mayor Matt Driscoll and Common Councilors Stephanie Miner, Thomas Seals and Bill Ryan.
PBA President Jeff Piedmonte remarked on the passage of time reminding people the span of an entire police career has nearly passed since Officer Howard was killed, yet the day still seems as vivid as if it just happened. Deputy Chief Frank Fowler also praised Officer Howard for setting an example he tries to follow every day.
The twenty minute ceremony concluded with a blessing from the department Chaplain the Rev. Dennis Hayes who prayed for the safety of all officers as they go about their daily tasks.
The men convicted in the case are all serving life terms in prison.
