Nemesio Vera

New York City Police Department Sergeant Nemesio Vera worked for the department for 20 years, retiring with 30 years of service. Although was off duty on September 11, 2001, he put on his uniform and made his way to Ground Zero. Due to the time he spent there in search and recovery efforts, he developed occupational stomach cancer. He died from his illness on December 3, 2020, at the age of 61.

Vera was born in Vina del Mar, Chile, the fourth of five children. His father was in the Chilean Navy and moved to the United States to give his family a better life. Vera was an excellent soccer player and could have been a professional. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force with pride for his country. He joined the NYPD in 1995 and served most of his time at the 73rd Precinct. Vera was well-respected by his peers, who viewed him as a person of honesty, integrity and dedication. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Medal and the Valor Service award from the NYPD. His name has been placed on the 9/11 Memorial Walls in Manhattan, New York, Albany, New York, and Washington, D.C.

Vera met his future wife, Evelyn, in College. He was smart, funny and kind hearted. They dated for nine years before he proposed. They were married for 24 years and had twin daughters, Margaret and Isabel. The family loved to travel and spend time together. They traveled cross-country, visiting New York, California, Las Vegas, Arizona, and many states in between before returning to New York. Vera loved his family and taught them generosity, strength, determination and to never break a promise to others. His work ethic and service to others served as a role model for all who knew him and loved him.

NYPD Sergeant Nemesio Vera is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn, twin daughters, Margaret and Isabel, grandsons, Haden and Logan, his father, Nemesio, and his siblings, Maria, Mercy, and Lisa. His mother, Mercedes, and brother, Ray, passed away after his death. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided the Vera family with a mortgage-free home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.