A Bay Ridge cop whose selfless act of kindness drew national attention is poised to be an America’s Most Wanted “All Star.”
Police Officer Susan Porcello has been named one of eight finalists for the lofty honor, in which host John Walsh honors first responders who have changed people’s lives through their heroic actions. Porcello is the only woman in the on−line contest, which is set to end on May 4.
Porcello got the attention of America’s Most Wanted for befriending an aging World War II veteran after a 911 call.
She was dispatched to Gasper Musso’s Marine Avenue address last July after he had gotten ill from a overdose of his medication.
As paramedics arrived, Porcello talked to the man and learned that he had no family or friends.
That’s when Porcello not only offered to befriend Musso, but she also made him “her grandpa.”
Once Musso became well, Porcello lived up to her promise and helped put him up in a neighborhood senior citizen facility. She also made sure that his wish of being buried next to his mother was honored when he passed away in November, right before the two friends were going to celebrate Thanksgiving together.
Porcello used her own money to pay for a funeral befitting a World War II veteran. She also arranged for a Marine Corps color guard to be present, explained Deputy Inspector Eric Rodriguez, her commanding officer at the 68th Precinct.
“She went above and beyond,” said Rodriguez. “We’re always saying that the community is an extension of our family and she proved it.”
“We have a lot of elderly and veterans’ groups in this neighborhood,” he continued. “For her to take this step not only gave an area resident the respect and dignity he deserved, but gave a lot of the veterans hope that they’re not being forgotten.”
Rodriguez said that once word of what Porcello did got out, his office received calls from all over the country thanking her.
Her act of compassion was seen across the nation on America’s Most Wanted when she was nominated an “All−Star” candidate.
Many of her colleagues in the 68th Precinct voted for her during the America’s Most Wanted semi−final rounds and will continue to vote for her as May 4 approaches, Rodriguez said.
Although she humbly accepted the nomination, Porcello has said that she never wanted to make a big deal out of what she did.
