Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Fitzpatrick,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of New York City. And to your Family and loved one, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 26, 2022

Anyone have contact with his family a man from Leitrim Ireland

Po john cervenka
Nypd

November 8, 2021

Rest In Peace hero ... from a fellow nypd mounted officer

Ret. Po ohara
Nypd mounted

May 26, 2021

I know the beautiful county of Leitrim where Philip was born and reared. Like so many other he left Ireland in search of a new life across the Atlantic Ocean.
They were different times and he was destined to never see Ireland again. Through his song Lovely Leitrim he will always be remembered in his native land.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis

Pascal Brennan
Irish national

October 20, 2018

I always loved his song and have sung it many times I would sit by the lakes in Leitrim and meditate as a young man. I came to love Leitrim he has left a fine song and poem behind for many to enjoy

Robbie Dunn Irish Singer Songwriter
Friend

December 30, 2017

I always loved his song and have sung it many times I would sit by the lakes in Leitrim and meditate as a young man. I came to love Leitrim he has left a fine song and poem behind for many to enjoy

Robbie Dunn Irish Singer Songwriter
Friend

December 30, 2017

My grandfather was Phil's brother Mike. We all learned about Uncle Phil from a young age, have buried our grandparents and parents to the strains of Lovely Leitrim, and sing it when we're together, to keep us together

Deirdre
Daughter of Winnie, daughter of mike Fitzpatrick

April 22, 2017

My grandfather was Phil's brother Mike. We all learned about Uncle Phil from a young age, have buried our grandparents and parents to the strains of Lovely Leitrim, and sing it when we're together, to keep us together

Deirdre
Daughter of Winnie, daughter of mike Fitzpatrick

April 21, 2017

God bless your good soul, Patrolman FitzPatrick. You were a true hero and a credit to your irish blood and people. My Dad, an uncle, and two cousins served with New York's Finest, I was a federal law enforcement officer, and my brother was a State Court Officer. We would have been honored to have known this brave man and loyal son of Ireland. My family hailed from Co. Leitrim and "Lovely Leitrim" was often sang at our family gatherings. It has a special meaning to us because of the heroism and self-sacrifice of its author, a true hero. He cannot be, nor will we allow, his memory and sacrifice in the line of duty to be forgotten. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Chief Denis P. McGowan (retired)
Federal Protective Service

December 6, 2016

I've always loved Lovely Leitrim ! when I found out it was written by a fellow Irishman and brother in blue I was very excited ! I found a verse that is not usually sung it is the verse about the heroes of Seltan hill. awesome song written by a Heroe ! R.I.P Noble son of EIRE ! and NYC !
Ret.P.O. Mortimer Keane NYPD & T/O Bolton police dept

p.o. mortimer keane
bolton police dept

October 28, 2016

Philip Fitzpatrick was my great-grandmother's first cousin and she told me the story of how sad his death was for all the family. What a heroic man.

Stephen

April 26, 2016

I have recently found out that I am related to this true hero and I'm very honoured! Sleep well Phil Fitzpatrick, RIP.

Sarah Dawson
Grand Niece

November 9, 2015

Patrolman Philip Fitzpatrick will be remembered at a special show incorporating music, poetry and dance next month in Co Leitrim & London. The concert performance will also include an archive recording of his sister Nan. The whole show will finale with his composition 'Lovely Leitrim'. Rest in Peace

Leitrim Equation Traditional Programme
Co Leitrim Arts Office

September 8, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 26, 2015

I believe it was my father, Peter Kilcommons (Oct 11, 1920-Jan 30, 1984) who was in the bar with Phil Fitzpatrick on that day. My father never talked about his time on the NYPD because, as I heard it, he responded to a robbery at a bar. He wound up shooting the perp in the back and was in and out of court for years afterward defending himself against various charges. My mom, Catherine Kilcommons is from Drumkeerin in County Leitrim and Lovely
Leitrim is one of my favorite songs.

Michael Kilcommons civilian
Friend of my father

May 6, 2015

I note my brother, Dermot Walsh's, recent entry and concur with him. Our grandmother, Phil's sister, Nan (Gaffney), kept his history alive; I hope that Dermot and I can continue to do so by remembering and sharing;
Lovely Leitrim is the "Irish Anthem" to me; but I have never known Uncle Phil to have been acknowledged; I am encouraged to try again (via WFUV) and will do so until he is.

Geraldine Walsh
grandniece

March 14, 2015

My father was one of the bartenders on duty when this robbery occurred, about three years before I was born. Thank you Officer Fitzpatrick for your sacrifice. If not for you, I might not be here to write this today.

Ed King

March 13, 2015

Rest in peace Phil. You will never be forgotten. Hero.

Dermot Walsh (FDNY)
Grandnephew

January 2, 2015

Phil,
Rest in peace.....dedicated police officer and true son of Erin....Everytime I hear your beautiful song I think of you..

Frank Gildea

June 9, 2013

Phil you died a valiant death as a proud Irish NYC policeman. Your actions were in the highest tradition of the NYC Police Deapartment. You were awarded it's highest medal, The Medal of Honor. The song that you wrote, "Lovely Leitrim" will continue to be sung for the ages. May God Bless you and keep you near to Him.

(Ret) Lt. Tommy Barnes
NYPD

February 5, 2013

I became aware of the heroism of Ptl. Fitzatrick in the 1970's when I was informed of his bravery by his brother, "The Master"Fitzpatrick, in his pub in Mohill, County Leitrim, Ireland where I stopped for a drink. Besides being a hero Phillip was a poet of distinction and the author of "Lovely Leitrim", which could be considered to be the anthem of that great County.
May his soul rest in peace

SDS Patrick Moynihan,Retired
NYCPD Detective Bureau

September 21, 2009

I Never Really Got A Chance To Know My Grandfather But I Had My Father talk About Him So I Could Know Who My Grandfather Was I Am Very Proud Of My Grandfather For Giving All He Had To Protect The People Of New York City My Grandfather Is A Very Brave Man And He Will Be Missed By All Who Love Him.

Rosemary Fitzpatrick/Donovan
Granddaughter

August 21, 2009

I Never Really Got A Chance To Know My Grandfather But I Had My Father talk About Him So I Could Know Who My Grandfather Was I Am Very Proud Of My Grandfather For Giving All He Had To Protect The People Of New York City My Grandfather Is A Very Brave Man And He Will Be Missed By All Who Love Him.

Rosemary Fitzpatrick/Donovan
Granddaughter

August 21, 2009

I said a little prayer today for Patrolman Fitzpatrick and his family. He may be gone but never forgotten. He will always be a New York HERO.

Robyn Wilkes

May 22, 2009

Grandpa Even Tho We Never Got A Chance To Know One Another. I Miss You And Love You. I Am So Proud Of You. You Will Always Be With Me. No Matter What Or Where I Am At. Thanx So Much For Doing Your Duty To Serve And Protect. Your Loving Granddaughter
Rosemary

Anonymous

December 6, 2008