Dear DEA Members:
I write this with a full heart and tears in my eyes. This week has been a difficult one for us, with sleepless nights and non-stop days. As those who came last night [November 18, 2020, to the Pelham School Board meeting] could see, the vocal support in our town [Pelham, New York] for our mission is virtually non-existent. I arrived at the Board of Education meeting extremely nervous. The minute I pulled up and saw you guys already there waiting, I felt at ease.
While I started this mission to honor my father, Detective George Caccavale [who was shot and killed in the line of duty on June 26, 1976], it has gone far beyond that now. I do this for all who made the ultimate sacrifice, and for all of you who are brave enough to wear the shield and protect people who you’ve yet to meet.
My sleepless nights are nothing compared to those endured by our line of duty widows and parents of the fallen. They pale in comparison to the nights your spouses stay awake, because you are working overtime to cover the riots.
A friend who works for Con Edison was at One Police Plaza this week doing a job. He said he was talking to some Officers and they heard about this story and were proud. I replied saying that this is exactly why I don’t give up. What I am doing right now is small compared to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the selfless service you have committed to. Each and every one of our line of duty heroes would give anything to be here fighting this fight if they could. And I know each and every one of you would protect me if a situation arose. And that is why I am taking a stand to protect you all.
I have always been proud to be Detective George Caccavale’s daughter, but never more proud than I am this week. His name will forever be associated with the mission to take a stand for the thin blue line, and to take a stand to restore the good names of cops across the country. Whenever I say “thank you for what you do,” especially to Paul DiGiacomo, he says, “It is my honor.” Standing up for the blue line, for my father, for those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and for all of you is truly my honor.
I draw strength knowing that the NYPD is proud right now. I am proud of all of you, too.
Stay safe …
With heartfelt and tremendous appreciation,
Carla Caccavale & Family
