Eight years after NYPD Detective Miosotis Familia was tragically killed in the line of duty, her daughter Genesis Villella is still fighting for the pension and benefits she believes her family was promised.
She told News 12 The Bronx recently that efforts to get her mom’s pensions has come at great personal cost.
Villella, who was just 20 years old when her mother was ambushed and shot in the Bronx in 2017, has been raising her twin siblings ever since — giving up her education, career, and twenties to become their legal guardian. Now 28, she has not received a single cent from her mother’s pension.
“Like my mom is a part of me…like a part of me died on that night,” Villella told News 12 The Bronx. “Literally, like half of me died — orphaned at 20 years old.”
Despite her mother’s service and ultimate sacrifice, New York state law currently limits benefits for children of fallen officers to the age of 18 — or 23, but only if enrolled full-time in college. Villella dropped out of school to care for her siblings.
“I gave up my education. I gave up having a career,” she said. “I sacrificed my twenties and dedicated them to raising children.”
To this day, the city has not awarded her access to her mother’s pension. A bill introduced to address her unique situation — which has gained support from both state and local lawmakers — has failed to make it to a vote at City Hall.
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, who sponsored the legislation in Albany, pointed the finger at City Hall for the lack of movement.
“This is what they call a picture bill, which means it affects one family as opposed to being applied more generally,” Dinowitz said.
Villella is undeterred.
“It makes me feel like my mom’s sacrifice isn’t worthy and it’s not important,” she said. “The city that my mom died for has failed us.”
Detective Familia was a 12-year NYPD veteran and the first female officer killed in the line of duty since 9/11.
Her daughter recalls the promise made to families like hers during training at the police academy
“My mom would always tell me, the Academy tells them ‘we will take care of your family.’ And that wasn’t happening,” Villella said. “I’m not gonna stop fighting.”
