NYPD Detective Promoted After Naming K9 Dog After Slain Hero Dad

Katrina J. Narvaez, whose father was killed in the line of duty, honored with detective second-grade promotion.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Katrina J. Narvaez, a 38-year-old NYPD detective, was promoted to detective second-grade at a ceremony presided over by Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Narvaez named her K9 dog 'Freddy' after her father, Lt. Frederico Narvaez, who was killed in the line of duty nearly 30 years ago when Katrina was just 9 years old. Narvaez said her father would be 'proud' of her promotion, which comes after she joined the NYPD and later the department's K9 unit, where she works with her 'best friend' Freddy.

Why it matters

Narvaez's promotion and her decision to name her K9 partner after her slain father highlights the personal sacrifices and connections that NYPD officers often have, especially those who have lost family members in the line of duty. Her story provides an inspiring example of how the NYPD community can support and honor the families of fallen officers.

The details

Katrina J. Narvaez, 38, was one of 11 NYPD officers promoted to detective second-grade at a ceremony at One Police Plaza. Narvaez entered the NYPD academy in 2013 and previously worked as a patrol officer and in the domestic violence unit before joining the department's elite Emergency Service Unit K9 division. There, she was paired with a Vapor Wake K9 dog named Freddy, whom she named after her father, Lt. Frederico Narvaez, who was fatally shot in 1996 while responding to a domestic incident. Narvaez said the opportunity to work with Freddy, her 'best friend,' has been life-changing, but she will soon have to be paired with a new K9 partner as Freddy reaches the NYPD's K9 retirement age of 9 years old.

  • Katrina J. Narvaez's father, Lt. Frederico Narvaez, was fatally shot on October 18, 1996 while responding to a domestic incident in Flatbush.
  • Katrina J. Narvaez entered the NYPD police academy in January 2013.
  • Katrina J. Narvaez was promoted to detective second-grade on February 27, 2026.

The players

Katrina J. Narvaez

A 38-year-old NYPD detective who was promoted to detective second-grade and named her K9 partner 'Freddy' after her father, Lt. Frederico Narvaez, who was killed in the line of duty in 1996.

Lt. Frederico Narvaez

Katrina J. Narvaez's father, who was fatally shot in 1996 while responding to a domestic incident as an NYPD officer.

Jessica Tisch

The NYPD Commissioner who presided over the promotion ceremony for Katrina J. Narvaez and 10 other officers.

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What they’re saying

“I think [my dad] would be proud. He was proud of his position in the NYPD and being around other cops and taking care of them.”

— Katrina J. Narvaez, NYPD Detective (New York Post)

“I didn't really know what cops were until he passed away and I got to interact with a whole group of people, and I saw that they really cared about the community and about helping and about others. And it made me want to be a part of it.”

— Katrina J. Narvaez, NYPD Detective (New York Post)

“I was really happy when I came on the NYPD and I had hope that I would come on the K9 unit. But when I actually got in, it was amazing and it changed my life.”

— Katrina J. Narvaez, NYPD Detective (New York Post)

What’s next

Katrina J. Narvaez will soon be paired with a new K9 partner as her current dog, Freddy, reaches the NYPD's K9 retirement age of 9 years old.

The takeaway

Katrina J. Narvaez's promotion and her decision to honor her late father by naming her K9 partner after him demonstrates the deep personal connections and sacrifices that NYPD officers often have, especially those who have lost family members in the line of duty. Her story provides an inspiring example of how the NYPD community can support and uplift the families of fallen officers.