Glen Head street renamed for fallen 9/11 responder

Local elected officials joined members of the New York Police Department last week to rename a street in Glen Head for fallen NYPD Detective Joseph Paolillo.

Detective Paolillo died in the line of duty from 9/11-related cancer contracted in the aftermath of search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center. Paolillo was stationed at Ground Zero where he searched for the remains of his brother John, an FDNY battalion chief and other victims.

Born in Brooklyn, Paolillo was a resident of Glen Head for 21 years. He moved there to be near his fireman brother, who lived just five blocks away.

The family still lives on Sheppard Street just down the road from where “NYPD Detective Joseph Paolillo Way” is now displayed in his honor.

Paolillo died on Sept. 9, 2019.

“The Town of Oyster Bay never forgets its hometown heroes, and we are proud to honor the life and service of Detective Joseph Paolillo,” Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said in a town statement. “Joseph loved his community, his city and his country and will always be remembered for his bravery. This street, in the community where he lived for many years, will forever serve as a reminder of his sacrifice and his extraordinary life. When people pass by this block, they will remember Detective Paolillo as an exemplary first responder who gave his life to save others.”