URGENT UPDATE: In a remarkable family milestone, two NYPD officers, Detective Kenny Dean and Sergeant Maryann Palonco, have officially retired on the same date their father did years ago. The siblings submitted their retirement papers on February 3, a significant date that marks the end of their distinguished careers and honors their father’s legacy after 38 years on the force.
This unique retirement coincides with their late father’s departure from the NYPD, creating a poignant connection to their family history. Detective Dean, 59, has dedicated 36 years to the department, with 24 years spent in the bomb squad, while his sister Palonco, 53, has served for 30 years, primarily in Patrol Borough Brooklyn South.
Reflecting on their decision, Palonco expressed, “It just felt right. I had just hit my 30th year in June. I feel like it was just time.” The duo’s retirement is a heartfelt tribute, as they both wished their father, who passed away seven years ago at the age of 80, could have witnessed their exit together.
Adding to the family legacy, Dean’s canine partner, Holland, a 12-year-old Labrador, has also retired. “When I work, he works. When I’m off, he’s off,” Dean said. Although canine partners do not receive pensions, Holland is entitled to lifetime food and medical benefits from the department.
Both siblings come from a lineage of law enforcement, with Palonco’s husband, William Palonco, also a retired sergeant, and Dean’s son, who shares his name, has been serving as a police officer for three years. “He’s just following the footsteps of his dad, his grandfather, his aunt and uncle,” Palonco noted proudly.
Their retirements have garnered praise and recognition from the Sergent’s Benevolent Association, which highlighted their family’s deep-rooted connection to the NYPD. The union stated, “Maryann’s career reflects a family connection to the department that spans generations,” emphasizing the significance of their simultaneous retirements.
As they step into retirement, both Dean and Palonco acknowledge that this transition will be an adjustment. They express a heartfelt desire that their father could have shared this moment with them. “We looked up to him. He always made us take the tests for the police department,” Palonco recalled. “He really was the best.”
The emotional weight of this moment resonates throughout the NYPD community as the Dean-Palonco family legacy continues. Their story exemplifies not only dedication and service but also the profound bonds that tie families together in public service.
As the siblings embark on this new chapter, the NYPD family looks on, proud of their commitment to the city and the legacies they uphold. Keep an eye on this inspiring family story, as it underscores the unbreakable ties between duty, family, and honor.
