On Friday, an NYPD detective paid homage to her late father, who was killed in the line of duty nearly three decades ago, by naming her K9 partner after him. As she received her promotion, she expressed that her heroic father would indeed feel “proud.”
Katrina J. Narvaez, aged 38, was among 11 distinguished officers elevated to detective second-grade during a ceremony at One Police Plaza, overseen by Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
At just 9 years old, Narvaez experienced the tragedy of losing her father, Lt. Frederico Narvaez, who was tragically shot while dealing with a domestic disturbance in Flatbush on October 18, 1996.
“I believe my father would be proud of me,” said Narvaez, who is married and eagerly anticipating the arrival of her first child. “He took great pride in his role with the NYPD, cherishing the camaraderie with fellow officers and their mutual support.”
Following her father’s passing, Narvaez connected with his law enforcement family, who shared memories and stories that illustrated the essence of serving and safeguarding New Yorkers.
“It wasn’t until after his death that I truly understood what it meant to be a cop,” Narvaez shared with The Post. “Interacting with his colleagues, I realized their genuine commitment to the community and their dedication to helping others, which inspired me to join their ranks.”
Narvaez entered the NYPD’s police academy in January of 2013, before joining Brooklyn’s 70th Precinct, where she was a patrol cop and later worked for the domestic violence unit.
Her love for animals drew her to her next assignment, working with a Vapor Wake K9 dog – trained to detect guns and explosives – in the department’s elite Emergency Service Unit.
She trained in Alabama for two months to prepare her to work with her new four-legged partner, a wire-haired pointer/Labrador mix.
“I was really happy when I came on the NYPD and I had hope that I would come on the K9 unit,” Narvaez said. “But when I actually got in, it was amazing and it changed my life.”
The opportunity held an even deeper meaning for Narvaez when she had the opportunity to name the K9 after her hero dad – calling him Freddy.
“He’s my best friend,” she said. “I’m with him more than I’m with any friend or family member.”
But soon, Narvaez will face the bittersweet reality of being paired with a new dog – as Freddy is 9 years old, the age of retirement for department K9s.
But in the meantime, she and her loved ones are relishing in the excitement at her promotion.
“I am so appreciative,” Narvaez said. “It means a lot to myself and my family. I was hoping that maybe one day this would happen, but the fact that it happened now is amazing.”
“I couldn’t be here without the support of my mom and my husband and my family and friends, both on and off the NYPD.”
