Abraham Cruz III

On February 2, 2025, New York City Police Department Sergeant Abraham Cruz III succumbed to cancer he developed following his assignment to the search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He was 47 years old and had served with the NYPD for 20 years. 

Born in New York City, Cruz grew up alongside his sister, Maria, in a loving family raised by their parents, Abraham and Maria. He had a large family, always surrounded by his aunts, uncles and cousins. He had fond memories of the family going to Sunken Meadow Park in Suffolk County, New York, every summer, staying all day and enjoying every minute. Abraham’s favorite holiday was Halloween. His aunt would throw a big party, with family and friends, and he always looked forward to it. It was an amazing childhood. As far back as anyone can remember, he wanted to become a police officer. Even at a very young age he would dress up as a police officer, wanting to be the “good guy,” like Superman (his favorite hero later in life was Batman). Cruz graduated from John Jay College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science in 2000 and entered the NYPD police academy in September 2000. Abraham proudly served for 20 years, moving up the ranks to Detective in 2008 and Sergeant in 2014. He retired on October 30, 2020 from the 106 Precinct Detective Squad. He was known for his dedication to serving the people of his community, his compassion, and for going far beyond what was expected of him. Faced with a harrowing abduction case, he worked tirelessly to reunite the mother with her child. One time, when his partner’s home was flooded due to Hurricane Sandy, Cruz and his wife brought food along with gift cards to Home Depot and local eateries to help get them through the difficult time. He received the Certificate of Commendation from the American Legion in 2009 when he was a detective at the 90th Precinct. Through his professionalism and dedicated work, he found the person responsible for a crime inflicted on a young lady. He touched many lives and was loved by all who knew him. Many of Cruz’s coworkers miss him dearly and have fond memories of him. 

Cruz met his future wife, Melissa, a fellow student at John Jay College in 1996, when they were in math class. She sat right next to him and they became friends. The relationship blossomed. Her favorite memory was their first kiss. She knew right then she had found her soulmate. They got married on February 20, 1999. They had three daughters: Kayla, Jazmin, and Isabel. He was a loving husband and father. Kayla said her dad was a hero. He was hard working, smart, and selfless; a man who sacrificed his life for others. Jazmin said her dad was patient and understanding when she needed help. He encouraged her to follow her dreams. He always had her back, something she will forever miss. Isabel said her dad was an important part of her life, teaching her to love and laugh. If given a choice, she would always pick him to be her dad. 

NYPD Sergeant Abraham Cruz III is survived by his loving wife, Melissa, his daughters, Kayla, Jazmin, and Isabel Cruz, his sister, Milagros Cruz, his mother, Maria Cruz, and many other cherished family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Cruz family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.