The DEA Honor Roll

First grade Det. Roberto L. Rivera served the NYPD for nearly 30 years and received eight recognitions for excellent and meritorious police duty.  He was appointed to the Force in October 1973.  He was promoted to Detective in January 1982, earned second grade in November of 1994, and by December of 2001 was promoted to first grade.  During his career, he served in the 44 Precinct, Narcotics Division, and the First Precinct Detective Unit.  Prior to his work with the Joint Terrorism Task Force, from which he retired in December of 2002, he also served with the Detective Bureau’s Special Investigations Division and the Arson and Explosion Squad.  Immediately following the World Trade Center attacks, Rivera volunteered for the “bucket brigade” at Ground Zero, working atop the smoldering mountains of debris and remains.  On January 27, 2007, Rivera passed away from illnesses contracted as a result of the hours of service on the rescue and recovery efforts.  His name was unveiled on the NYPD memorial Wall in May of 2009.  He’s remembered by colleagues as sharp, personable and friendly, and great to be with, both on and off duty.  He is survived by his wife, Aida, his sons, Marcus and Roberto, also a Detective, and his daughter, Doraida.