On the one-year anniversary of his death, the nephew of Lou Alvarez graduated from the NYPD to follow in his uncle's footsteps.

Alvarez delivered stirring testimony to Congress, fighting for permanent health care funding for World Trade Center first responders. He died 11 days later of cancer related to the Sept.11 attacks.

Michael Alvarez is not only following in his uncle's footsteps, but his father's. Phil Alvarez recently retired from the Suffolk County Police Department after 32 years.

Phil Alvarez could not be at his son's graduation in Manhattan Monday because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Phil Alvarez was supposed to pin his son's badge on him - a badge number that is special to him. Michael Alvarez will receive his uncle's detective number.

"The city found the PO badge with my brother's detective number on it and it was so old they made up a new one for him as a way to honor my brother and my family," said Phil Alvarez. "I think Lou would be very proud of him today."

Weeks after Lou Alvarez's testimony, the extension of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund was passed and signed into law.

READ MORE:
Former NYPD detective who fought for 9/11 funding dies
Final farewell to be held for former NYPD detective who fought for 9/11 funding