Vigil held for Cliffside Park officer killed by driver one year ago

CLIFFSIDE, N.J. (WABC) -- A young police officer who was killed on the job one year ago was honored Tuesday night.

A vigil was held for Cliffside Park Police Officer Stephen Petruzzello at the site where he was struck by a car last December.

The 22-year-old was promoted posthumously from a part-time officer to a full-time one.

His mother says she's grateful her son has not been forgotten.

"It blows me away that people cared enough to be out here for Stephen and for his family I'm just happy, very happy," said Linda Petruzzello, Stephen's mother.

The driver who hit Officer Petruzzello pleaded guilty to careless driving and failure to yield.

She got points on her license and a $378 fine.