Celebrity News

NYPD cops honor ‘Law & Order’ star Merkerson at benefit

Real cops honored a TV one at the annual Midtown North Detectives Squad’s holiday benefit for the Muscular Dystrophy Association at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

“Law & Order” star S. Epatha Merkerson said she researched her role and got inspiration from the squad while starring on the series for nine years.

The event’s annually organized by retired detective and Black Tie Protection Services head Kevin Schroeder, and guests this year included Detectives’ Endowment Association president Michael Palladino and VP Paul DiGiacomo, NYPD brass Michael Shea and James Luongo, John Catsimatidis, James McManus, Tony Danza and “Sopranos” stars Federico Castelluccio, John “Cha Cha” Ciarcia and Dan Grimaldi.