STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Standing next to the family of the late Taurean Williams-Wells inside the 120th Precinct stationhouse in St. George on Dec. 17, the NYPD ambassador for Staten Island explained to the uniformed officers and supporters present that Williams-Wells’ had a huge impact on the city.
“Taurean volunteered as an auxiliary officer back in 2001 during 9/11,” said Jermaine Williams, who is of no relation to Williams-Wells. “The family should have been there to see him receive an award for volunteering as an auxiliary officer during 9/11.”
Ambassador for Staten Island Jermaine Williams, left, addresses the crowd at the 122nd Precinct, alongside Josephine Marino, the 120th Precinct Community Council president, and Inspector Eric Waldhelm, of the 120th Precinct.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence
The family of Williams-Wells listened intently in the audience, donning his favorite color, blue, and remembrance shirts bearing his photo, as Williams-Wells was posthumously awarded a certificate of appreciation from the 120th Precinct he served and a New York State Senate proclamation from Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, a Democrat representing the Island’s North Shore.
According to Williams, the family found out about him being a part of the brave men and women who responded to 9/11 years after he passed away from health complications at the age of 28.
It wasn’t until after his 2012 death that his family made a discovery — hidden in a box of papers were certificates of appreciation from the NYPD and former state Sen. Vincent Gentile, a Democrat from Brooklyn, recognizing his presence at Ground Zero, the Advance/SILive.com previously reported.
Heather Williams found certificates confirming that her son, Taurean, pictured, was present at Ground Zero, sparking a years-long battle for official recognition of his sacrifice.Courtesy of Heather Williams
In the 13 years since the discovery, his mother, Heather Williams-Wells, battled to have her son officially recognized as a 9/11 responder.
“It’s a start; I really appreciate that they took the time to honor Taurean,” Williams-Wells said. “It’s an amazing feeling; heart wrenching, but amazing. I feel in some ways validated, that they validated him.”
Auxiliary Police Sergeant Vanessa Falco speaks on behalf of the police department at Taurean’s award ceremony.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence
Auxiliary Police Sgt. Vanessa Falco, of the 120th Precinct, said: “On behalf of the NYPD and the auxiliary police section, we would like to present this award to the family of Auxiliary Police Officer Taurean Williams-Wells, whose selfless dedication, boundless compassion and tireless service touched countless lives and strengthened our community.
“Though he is no longer with us, his spirit continues to inspire our mission. It is with profound gratitude that we present this plaque to honor his service,” she added.
Nina Salerno, a representative for Scarcella-Spanton also said kind words about the Williams-Wells’ long-term impact on the Staten Island community.
A spokesperson for Sen. Scarcella-Spanton (middle) awards Taurean’s family his posthumously proclamination.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence
“Taurean dedicated himself to undercover assignments with the NYPD, courageously intervening in gang-related situations to promote peaceful outcomes,” Salerno said. “On Sept. 11, 2001, while many rushed to escape danger, he courageously went toward Ground Zero to lend his support. Taurean will always be remembered for his generosity, courage and selflessness.”
The proclamation concluded by stating that Williams-Wells’ legacy continues to inspire his family, for whom he has become their “Fam First angel.”
Taurean Williams-Wells’ younger brother, Durell K. Wells, 40, of Stapleton, holds the posthumous certificate given to his family by the NYPD.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence
Williams-Wells’ younger brother, Durell K. Wells, 40, of Stapleton, said the ceremony touched his heart in a special way.
“The ceremony was inspirational,” he said. ”He was truly a good man — smart in both books and the streets. I loved him very much.”
Taurean Williams-Wells is recognized at the 120th Precinct for his service at Ground Zero.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence