Mt. Vernon police officer Christopher Ridley, who was killed by fellow cops in White Plains Friday, was promoted to detective in a ceremony Tuesday.

Ridley?s family received a gold badge with the promotion. They say they are proud to have their son be the first Mt. Vernon police officer to receive the posthumous distinction.

Mt. Vernon Police Commissioner David Chong and Mayor Clinton Young took the occasion to call Ridley a role model and hero. Ridley died trying to help an assault victim near the Westchester County Office Building. He was off duty at the time and wrestled a homeless, convicted felon to the ground. Witnesses say Ridley?s gun went off before four county police officers fired, hitting Ridley at least four times.

Ridley?s old badge and uniform patch were retired at the ceremony. He was the first Mt. Vernon cop to die in the line of duty since 1974.

Ridley will be given full police honors at his funeral Friday, which will be held at Mt. Vernon?s Grace Baptist Church at 11 a.m.

Click for tribute to Ridley at Mt. Vernon High School basketball game.

To watch footage of the promotion ceremony, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.

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