RPJ’s New York: The Moira Ann Smith Playground

The latest in a series of non-legal articles on the city we work in and love. 

Approaching the offices of Reavis Page Jump LLP through the north east corner of Madison Square Park, one walks by the statues of Admiral David Farragut and President Chester A. Arthur.  Nestled across from these monuments to those 19th-century luminaries sits the Moira Ann Smith playground—a moving tribute to another American hero. 

Officer Smith was a member of the New York City Police Department’s 13th Precinct, which covers the Madison Square Park neighborhood.  On September 11, 2001, she was the first police officer to report a plane crashing into the World Trade Center.  After helping dozens to evacuate the scene, she entered the South Tower to rescue others and perished when it collapsed.  Officer Smith, the only female NYPD officer killed that day, was a mother of two.  Like Admiral Farragut, who is famously quoted saying, “Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead!”, Officer Smith showed amazing courage in the line of duty.  The children who enjoy her beautiful and lively playground are a fitting legacy.

The plaque outside the Moira Ann Smith playground in Madison Square Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By RPJ Partner Alice K. Jump, whose practice focuses in litigation and dispute resolution, employment, real estate and infrastructure law.