A police officer killed after he rushed towards the collapsing World Trade Center towers to gather video on Sept. 11 had a street in front of the Police Academy renamed in his honor.
Glen Pettit, was an award-winning video journalist before he joined the NYPD in 1997, and began working in the department's Video Production Unit three years later.
When the first plane slammed into the Twin Towers, the officer knew where he had to be, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said at a ceremony today.
"Glen Pettit dedicated his life to serving others," Kelly said, describing how Pettit raced towards the tragic scene and got "crucial video" of the collapse. He was last seen racing toward the South Tower, camera in hand, minutes before the building tumbled down.
Pettit's mother, Jane Wixted, wore an American flag scarf around her neck as the sign renaming the section of East 20th Street "Police Officer Glen K. Pettit Corner" was unveiled.
"Having a street named after him is a privilege and an honor," Wixted said. "Glen always wanted the best shot and I'm sure he got it on 9/11."
She spoke to her departed son, "Thank you Glen for allowing me to be your mother. I'll be very proud of you for the rest of my life," she said.
Pettit had already been awarded the Medal of Honor, NYPD's highest honor, posthumously, and a plaque was installed in the lobby of the Police Academy where the Video Unit is located.
Street honor for heroic NYPD lensman, killed filming Sept. 11 attacks
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Street honor for heroic NYPD lensman, killed filming Sept. 11 attacks
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Street honor for heroic NYPD lensman, killed filming Sept. 11 attacks
