In a landmark move that could reshape how New York City supports the families of fallen first responders, the City Council passed Wednesday a critical Home Rule message championed by Majority Leader Amanda Farías (D-18).
The measure urges state legislators to pass a law granting long-overdue pension benefits to Genesis Villella—the daughter of slain Bronx Detective Miosotis Familia—and her younger siblings, who have been denied support due to gaps in existing legislation.
If enacted, the state bill would ensure that all orphaned children under the age of 25 whose parents served as New York City employees would receive their deceased parent’s pension benefits for life—finally closing a loophole in the city’s support system for families of fallen public servants.
Last month, Villella told the Bronx Times that representatives at the state level had been ready to change the law since 2022, but that with the exception of Farías, the City Council dragged its feet sending the Home Rule message to the capitol. The Majority Leader said that it was past time the city honored the commitment it made to Detective Familia.
“This is about justice, for Genesis, and for every family that’s been overlooked by laws that fail to account for real-life responsibility and sacrifice,” said Majority Leader Farías. “Detective Familia gave her life in service to this city, and Genesis gave hers to her siblings. Our system must reflect that.”
During Wednesday’s stated council meeting, Villella was met with a standing ovation from the chamber as city representatives prepared to approve the House Rule message which will advance the legislation to Albany.
Villella, who was just 20 years old when her mother was killed in the line of duty in 2017, has spent the last eight years raising her twin siblings, Peter and Delilah, following their mother’s death.
Detective Familia, a 12-year veteran of the NYPD and a single mother, was ambushed and shot in the head execution-style while stationed in a mobile command unit in the Bronx on July 5, 2017. Her death shook the city — but for her children, the aftermath revealed a harsh legal reality: existing pension rules did not allow children, even those who become legal guardians of their siblings, to receive the lifetime death benefits granted to spouses or parents, according to state law.
Villella, now 28, said she finally felt an end to the discrimination and erasure of her mother’s legacy.
“This outdated and discriminatory loophole has finally been closed,” said Genesis Villella. “It’s been eight long years of relentlessly and resiliently fighting for justice — for myself, my brother, and my sister.”
Council Speaker Adrienne Adams thanked Villella for her hard work and perseverance, noting the broader impact of the legislation.
“You know how we feel about you,” Adams said to Villella. “You know how we feel about your perseverance, your strength and your courage through this process. I personally want to thank you for those that will come after you that will get the benefits that they deserve because of what you did and because of your mother’s sacrifice.”
Bronx State Senator Gustavo Rivera (SD-33) and Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz (AD-81) have been Villella’s long-time supporters, sponsoring the state level bills in their respective chambers. The two said they are optimistic that the bill will clear the state legislature before the end of the session.
“Today’s action by the City Council in issuing a Home Rule for my legislation is an important step in making sure that not only will all of Detective Familia’s children receive the pension benefit they deserve, but that New York State recognizes all orphaned children of slain police officers in the same way it does surviving spouses.” said Assembly Member Dinowitz.
