The family and friends of a former NYPD sergeant from Levittown celebrated the graduation of his two daughters.

Olivia Johnston got her doctorate in physical therapy from NYIT, while her sister, Hannah, got her Masters in speech therapy from Queens College. The two big accomplishments called for a celebration -- pandemic style.

All the while, it was emotional day for the girls. Their father, NYPD Sgt. Scott Johnston, passed away just six months ago from 9/11-related cancer.

"Knowing we have that support gets us through every day. It really does," says Olivia.

"I thought we were just having cake in the backyard, not expecting this when we came outside for pictures at all. Yeah it was really nice," says Hannah.

Those who are close to the family came out knowing how important it was to Scott to see his daughters succeed.

"No matter what happens in life, to be positive, and that's how these girls are," says Debbie Engelman. "He wanted them to move forward in their lives and that's what they're doing."

The Levittown Fire Department showed up in full force as well for the family of the man who was a 30-year volunteer with them.

Olivia and Hannah are two of seven daughters in the Johnston family. It's a family who says they know how important it is to celebrate the happy times.

"No matter what was going on, we would always end the day laughing around the dinner table. Find time to just spend with each other and that's what we try to do every day," they say.