Memorial Plaque Dedicated to Westchester Fallen Hero
On the 72nd anniversary of the D Day Allied Invasion at Normandy, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino joined the family of Staff Sargent Joseph Lemm of Harrison and nearly 100 guests to dedicate a plaque in his honor at the Kensico Dam Memorial Walkway. Lemm, of the Air National Guard and a detective in the NYPD, was killed in action on December 21, 2015 in Bagram, Afghanistan.
The ceremony began with a procession led by the Pipes and Drums of the Westchester Police Emerald Society, followed by remarks from Director of the Westchester Veterans Service Agency, Ronald Tocci and the county executive.
“Often we wonder if the best of America is past us, if today’s Americans are no longer capable of the guts and greatness that marked previous generations,” said Astorino. “In Staff Sergeant Joseph Lemm we find an answer. ‘Yes.’ Not only was Joseph Lemm a throwback to the greatest generation, he was the greatest of our generation today.”
Local first responders from several municipalities including New York City and members of the armed forces paid their respect to Lemm in Silver Lake, his adopted hometown, on Dec. 29, 2015 before he received an NYPD Inspector’s funeral with full military honors at Manhattan’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Dec. 30. His colleagues and friends called him “superman” saying he was a gentle giant who strived to be the best in whatever he set his mind to.
Lemm died from wounds received in action while serving in Afghanistan with the Air National guard. He was the victim of a suicide bomber.
Lemm was born August 12, 1970 in Dubuque, IA. He was the son of Charles Ronek of Dubuque, IA and Shirley Lemm of Beemer, NE. He attended Beemer High School in Nebraska where he excelled as an athlete in football, basketball, and track.
After High School he enlisted in the Armed Forces serving in the United States Air Force. Promoted to the rank of Technical Sergeant, he served three tours of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan with the 105th Base Defense Squadron. Throughout his military service Lemm received numerous awards and commendations to include The Purple Heart and The Bronze Star Medal with Valor.
A 16-year veteran of law enforcement Lemm was a highly decorated New York City Police Officer with 590 arrests. After serving in the 48th Precinct and Bronx Street Crime Unit, Lemm was promoted on December 19, 2014 to Detective serving as member of the department’s Warrant Squad.
Astorino escorted Lemm’s family, his wife Christine and his children Brooke and Ryan, to place a wreath at the plaque under a tree on the Memorial Walkway. A Rifle Salute was followed by Taps.
During his State of the County Address in April, Astorino awarded Lemm with Westchester County’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award.
