The New York Islanders honored slain NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller, a dedicated fan of the team, by dedicating the proceeds from Saturday’s 50/50 raffle to his family. Detective Diller was tragically killed during a routine traffic stop. The benefit will help support his widow Stephanie and their 1-year-old son Ryan. The Islanders made the announcement at the start of a game against the Chicago Blackhawks while also holding a moment of silence in his honor.
During Detective Diller’s funeral, the priest asked mourners to pray for the Islanders, showcasing the cop’s strong connection to the Long Island-based team. The team projected a statement on the jumbotron dedicated to Detective Diller, expressing their condolences to his family, friends, and fellow officers. The Islanders also lit the lanterns at UBS Arena blue in tribute to the fallen officer. This gesture demonstrated the team’s solidarity with the law enforcement community and their support for Detective Diller’s family.
The 50/50 raffle in Detective Diller’s honor will be held during the Islanders’ game against the Nashville Predators at UBS Arena in Elmont. The team regularly hosts 50/50 raffles at their games to benefit various charities, including Tunnel to Towers and the Alzheimer’s Association. The purse for these raffles can be substantial, with the biggest pot of the season reaching $84,800 in October. The Islander’s decision to dedicate the raffle to Detective Diller’s family reflects their commitment to supporting important causes and giving back to the community.
Detective Diller was a three-year veteran of the NYPD and was killed in the line of duty when he approached two men during a traffic stop. One of the men, Guy Rivera, shot the officer below his bulletproof vest, leading to his tragic death. Rivera, with 21 prior arrests, was found to have a shiv concealed in his rectum during the incident. Additionally, a second gun was discovered in the car driven by Lindy Jones, the other man involved in the incident. The NYPD posthumously promoted Detective Diller to detective during his funeral, honoring his service and sacrifice.
The Islander’s decision to dedicate the 50/50 raffle to Detective Diller’s family showcases the team’s commitment to supporting their community and honoring those who serve. By directing the proceeds to Detective Diller’s widow and young son, the Islanders are providing tangible support to a family in need. The Islanders’ gesture of solidarity with the law enforcement community, especially in the wake of a tragedy like Detective Diller’s death, highlights the strong bond between sports teams and their fans, as well as the team’s dedication to making a positive impact in their neighborhood and beyond.
