Miles of Blue 

Brian Balmages
Grade 4

This powerful work was written in the wake of the death of NYPD Sergeant Paul Tuozzolo, a hero whose last words and actions saved the life of his partner. His wife Lisa Tuozzolo, an avid speaker and supporter of her “blue family,” is also a close cousin of composer Brian Balmages. It was widely reported that over 20,000 first responders lined the streets to salute Tuozzolo one final time along the route from the funeral home to the church. This piece chronicles that unforgettable drive and pays homage to the many officers that fall in the Line of Duty each year.