The 71st Precinct paid respect Monday to an officer who died last year, days after he was critically injured in a Brooklyn traffic stop.

Russel Timoshenko was shot in the face July 9, 2007 when he and Officer Herman Yan stopped a vehicle with stolen plates at Lefferts and Rogers avenues. The suspects then fled.Timoshenko died five days later and was posthumously promoted to detective. Yan, who was also injured, recovered.

Three men were captured in the following days ? accused triggerman Dexter Bostic, Lee Woods and Robert Ellis ? are expected to go on trial in the fall for murder. Two of the men were captured in Pennsylvania.

On Monday, the precinct unveiled a plaque in Timoshenko's honor and a tree that was planted in his name. Tearful relatives attended the outdoor event and thanked the NYPD for carrying on his legacy.

"Russel always protected us and today we are here to honor him," said his aunt Inna Apanasyuk.