Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly announced the promotion posthumously of Police Officer Dillon Stewart to Detective, First Grade - the highest designation of detective in the New York City Police Department. Detective Stewart was shot and killed by an armed suspect he was attempting to stop after he ran a red light in the 70th Precinct in Brooklyn.

"It is an honor to posthumously promote Dillon Stewart to the rank of Detective, First Grade," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Throughout his all-too-short career, Dillon Stewart repeatedly displayed exceptional bravery and judgment and devotion to duty, and was awarded four commendations in just five years. He was an outstanding police officer who contributed immeasurably to keeping New York the safest big city in America, and he is deserving of our praise and recognition."

"Dillon Stewart, though mortally wounded, helped bring his own killer to ground, demonstrating remarkable courage and tenacity in the finest tradition of the New York City Police Department," said Commissioner Kelly.

On Monday, Nov. 28, Detective Stewart, in uniform, was patrolling the 70th Precinct in an unmarked police car when he and his partner attempted to stop a motorist who ran a red light at the corner of Church and Flatbush Avenues in Brooklyn. Stewart, who was driving, was shot through the heart when the suspect fired five times at the police officers. Despite being mortally wounded, Stewart continued to pursue the suspect to a garage at 100 East 21st Street. A few hours later, the suspect was apprehended at an apartment building a block away, where the gun used to shoot Stewart was also recovered. The bullet that struck Stewart penetrated the left ventricle of his heart. Despite the efforts of the doctors at Kings County Hospital, Stewart died from his injury at 8:40 a.m.

Allan Cameron, of 131 East 21st Street in Brooklyn, has been charged with Stewart's murder, as well as the attempted murder and robbery of off-duty police officer Philippe on Nov. 19.

Stewart was appointed to the police department on March 10, 2000. He was the recipient of four commendations for Excellent Police Duty. He is survived by his wife Leslyn and his two daughters, Alexis, 6, and Samantha who is 5 months old.