Street in the Bronx named after NYPD officer killed in the line of duty

PARKCHESTER, Bronx (WABC) -- A ceremony Wednesday in the Bronx was really a touching tribute to an NYPD officer who put his fellow officers first -- that's exactly what Sergeant Paul Tuozzolo did the day he was shot and killed.

The 19-year vet was a school sergeant in the 43rd Precinct, and that's one big reason why they named a stretch of Purdy Street after him -- three schools are at this corner.

The sergeant's wife, Lisa, and the couple's two little boys, Austin and Joseph, were at this event along with many many other NYPD officers.

Lisa Tuozzolo called the shooting "a horrific tragedy that tore through her world."

"He was a kind, gentle soul and nothing could rattle him," she said. "In the most challenging of situations, Paul's favorite thing to say was, 'Easy peasy', or 'I've got this.' I've heard from his friends and co-workers over the years about his calm demeanor and easy disposition. That was the man I knew, the man I loved, and he will always be my hero, our hero."

On November 4, 2016, Tuozzolo responded to a call of a man with a gun in the Bronx. Tuozzolo first spotted the suspect and warned fellow officers the suspect had a weapon.

Unfortunately, the 41-year-old officer was shot and killed. A second officer was grazed in the leg with a bullet, but his injury wasn't that serious because Tuozzolo gave that initial warning.

Sgt. Tuozzolo was from Huntington Long Island. On Monday, a park in his hometown was also renamed in his honor.