The NYPD is calling on the Queens community to help celebrate the life of a retired detective and World War II veteran who died alone.
William Brown died last month at the age of 95. He had no friends or family by his side, and his body was discovered by police officers from the 113th Precinct who befriended him over the winter, the NYPD says.
Those cops from the community affairs division first met him when they heard of an elderly man suffering hypothermia. They visited him and arranged for proper heating in his home and over the next few months, they helped care for him and even escorted him to doctor's appointments, according to the NYPD.
"Ultimately, they were also the ones who arranged for his services and funeral," the NYPD said in a Facebook post. "Mr. Brown passed away alone, but he doesn't have to make his final journey alone."
"We ask the community in the Queens area to please join us if they can for the wake and services," the post said.
"Let's give Mr. Brown the hero send-off he deserves."
The wake will be held at First Church of God in Christ in Jamaica Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m. The service will be held from 10 to 11 a.m.
