NYPD Officer Killed On 9/11 Honored Once Again With Portrait At 13th Precinct

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- A New York police officer killed on 9/11 received another honor on Friday.

Patricia Smith was just 2-years-old when her mother Moira, an NYPD officer, was killed guiding dozens of people to safety.

As a toddler Patricia was there with her father to accept the department's Medal of Honor. She was there when a New York Waterways ferry was named for her mother at the 9/11 naming ceremony. And Patricia was there when the 13th Precinct dedicated a plaque to Moira Smith.

Now a poised 15-year-old, Smith is back at the 13th Precinct with her father, retired NYPD officer James Smith for the unveiling of a portrait.

"This is her home. This is where she worked," Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said.

"It portrays her well. You can definitely tell she was a very Irish person, so all the colors, and the representation of it was very nice," Patricia told CBS 2's Alice Gainer.

The painting was done by an Irish artist.

"He was from Dublin. Moira's family was from Dublin, so he kind of felt a connection," James said.

Speaking of connections, James pointed out that there are a number of similarities between Patricia and Moira.

"She looks a lot like Moira so it's always, I laugh you know, because she's got the same sense of humor. She does the same silly looks Moira did, the same bad looks too," James said.

"I guess I do an eye-roll thing when he's being annoying," Patricia added.

Patricia says it's hard because she was so young and doesn't remember much of her mother.

"I have so many people who tell me stories of bad moments, and good moments," she said.

The family is hoping that when officers look at the portrait now it will serve as a reminder.

"It's a lot to look up to and uphold her tradition, and you know you've got to do the right thing and sometimes you're not gonna come home, and that's what they all have to think about before they go out there everyday," James said.

A sobering reminder from a family who knows the ultimate sacrifice all too well.

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