Eight years after NYPD Detective Miosotis Familia was tragically killed in the line of duty, her daughter Genesis Villella continues to fight for the pension and benefits she believes her family was promised.
She recently told News 12 The Bronx that her efforts to get her mother’s pensions have come at a high personal cost.
Villella, who was only 20 years old when her mother was ambushed and shot in the Bronx in 2017, has been raising her twin siblings ever since, foregoing her education, career, and twenties to become their legal guardian. She is now 28 years old and 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 18 years old — or 23, if enrolled full-time in college. Villella dropped out of school to take care of 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.”
Until now, the city has denied her access to her mother’s pension. A bill introduced to address her unique situation, which has received support from both state and local lawmakers, has failed to be voted on at City Hall.
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, who sponsored the legislation in Albany, blamed City Hall for the lack of progress.
“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, a 12-year NYPD veteran, was the first female officer killed in the line of duty since September 11, 2001.
Her daughter recalls the promise made to families like hers while 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.”
