John St. School dedicates bench to fallen NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller

The Franklin Square school district honored the memory and service of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller, a former John Street School alumnus, with a bench dedication ceremony on Aug. 27.

The bench, now a permanent fixture at John Street School, is intended to be a place where students, staff, and community members can reflect on the values that Diller embodied—dedication, integrity and compassion. It was donated by the John Street School Parent Teacher Association.

This tribute reflects the deep connection Diller had with the community where he spent his formative years and which he continued to serve with dedication until his tragic death in the line of duty.

The ceremony opened with the National Anthem, sung by NYPD Officer Murray. Superintendent Jared Bloom spoke about how Diller exemplified the spirit of service that defines the Franklin Square community during the ceremony.

“His legacy reminds our students of the valor and selflessness that profoundly impacts so many lives in this spirit of service that our school district strives to instill in all of our students,” Bloom said.

Franklin Square education board President Stephen Toto also spoke to Diller’s legacy in the community.

“Detective Diller was not only a dedicated public servant, but also a cherished alumnus of our school,” Toto said.

“His unwavering commitment to protecting others and his selfless service embodied the values of ‘we can, we will,’” Toto said, citing the district’s motto of “We Can, We Will, We Do.”

John Street School Principal Thomas Riccobono spoke about the former John Street student, calling him a “shining example of the values we hold here: integrity, bravery and a deep commitment to serving others.”

Diller’s mother and wife Stephanie, of Malverne, cut the ribbon to unveil the memorial bench alongside Riccobono and John Street School Assistant Principal Jung Lee.

Diller's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to public service, his compassionate approach to law enforcement, and his efforts to foster strong community ties. Having grown up in Franklin Square, Diller was more than just an officer — he was a friend, mentor, and a cherished member of the community.

"This bench serves as a lasting reminder of Detective Diller's contributions to our community and his enduring spirit of service,” Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages said in a news release.

In attendance at the ceremony were NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, NYPD Transit, NYPD Health and Wellness, NYPD Queens South CRT, NCPD Highway Unit, NCPD Motorcycle Unit, NCPD Mounted Unit, NCPD Highway Unit, NCPD POP Unit, NCPD Patrol Units, and local fire and EMT departments. Town of Hempstead Clerk Kate Murray, Hempstead Town Councilman Thomas Muscarella, Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Jeanne Driscoll, Congressman Anthony D’Esposito and Solages were also in attendance.