Far Rockaway native funeral on Oct. 28

Randolph Holder, the NYPD Housing Bureau officer who was killed on Tuesday by a suspect he was chasing, was a third-generation policeman described as passionate about his job and well respected by his colleagues.

“I wish to express my deep condolences to the family and friends of NYPD Officer Randolph Holder, whose life was tragically taken in the line of duty yesterday.” said Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-St.Albans). “Officer Holder was a third generation police officer with roots and family in the 5th Congressional District. He carried the legacy of bravery for his family and the city with honor and dignity. Officer Holder was a true patriot, fighting tirelessly everyday to protect our communities from the very heinous and cowardly violence that claimed his life.”

Holder, from Brooklyn, grew up in Far Rockaway and was a five-year veteran of the NYPD.

Tyrone Howard, 30, of Manhattan, was charged with first-degree murder and robbery for the shooting and for stealing the bicycle that he jumped off of immediately before he allegedly fired a single shot into Holder’s forehead shortly after 8:30 p.m. near the F.D.R. Drive. Holder and his partner, Omar Wallace, were in pursuit after two groups of men were seen exchanging gunfire on East 102nd Street in Harlem. After Holder was hit, Wallace returned fire and shot Howard in the leg.

As many as 30,000 law enforcement officers are expected to attend Holder's wake and funeral, which has been relocated to Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York at 110-31 Merrick Blvd. in Jamaica, Queens, to accommodate those paying respects. A visitation is scheduled there from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 27 with the funeral service scheduled to take place on Oct. 28 at 3 p.m.

Holder will be buried in a family plot at a cemetery in Georgetown, Guyana. Under the command of Lt. Tony Giorgio and assistance of the NYPD ceremonial unit, his funeral is being arranged. Members of Holder's unit, Police Service Area 5, will serve as honor guard.

Holder was planning to move to Valley Stream, 1010 WINS’ Carol D’Auria reported.

“He should have been closing on a house in the next month in Valley Stream but all of those dreams went down the drain,” the 33-year-old’s father, Randolph Sr., told reporters outside his home in Far Rockaway.

Valley Stream Editor Micah Danney contributed to this story.