An NYPD lieutenant who was shot during a robbery while walking to work in Queens 50 years ago had a street renamed in his honor Saturday – as his NYPD officer grandson received a shield with his number on it.
Lt. Henry Schmiemann was shot and killed on June 20, 1974, at the corner of Penelope Avenue and 74th Place near his Queens home.
Lt. Henry Schmiemann was shot and killed on June 20, 1974, at the corner of Penelope Avenue and 82nd Place in Middle Village, Queens. NYPD
Henry Schmiemann puts on his grandfather’s shield at the street naming ceremony honoring Lt. Henry Schmiemann. KEVIN C DOWNS His grandson, also named Henry Schmiemann, called it an honor to wear his grandfather’s shield number.
Paul Schmiemann (L) and his son, Henry Schmiemann (R), the grandson of Lt. Henry Schmiemann, with his grandfather’s shield. KEVIN C DOWNS 
The new street sign at Penelope Ave and 82 Place. KEVIN C DOWNS“I feel like I’ve been given a responsibility greater than what is behind the NYPD, which is immense,” the grandson, who lives in his grandfather’s house, said. “I’m just glad everyone’s here celebrating my grandfather.”
His uncle Peter Schmiemann said he was proud his nephew would be wearing his dad’s badge number.
“Our father left way too early, but we know that Henry is going to get the guidance and help from my father as he does his job,” the proud uncle said.
The elder Schmiemann’s killer, John Smith, is serving life at Wende Correctional Facility in Erie County but has a parole hearing set for August, online state records show.
City Councilman Robert Holden, a Queens Democrat, sponsored the street renaming.
