Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.

I'm Captain Collins Coy, and I welcome you to the Green Street Club for the 2025 Police Memorial and Award Ceremony.

Please rise as the pipes and drums of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester County, led by Drum Major Peter Farrell and Pipe Major Alfred Bes, the Neurochell Police Department's Honor Guard, Lieutenant Edward Hayes, and Detective Lieutenant Robert Wensler escort in our police honorees.

Please remain, please remain standing for the national anthem and invocation.

Detective Lieutenant Robert Wensler will perform the national anthem.

What so proudly we hailed at the Twilight's last gleaming, whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, or the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming.

And the Rockets Red Glaiver, the bombs bursting air, gave proof through the nights that our flag was still there.

And the home of the Lieutenant Wensler.

That was great.

You know, I was hoping for their Chris Stable diversion, and that was that was pretty close.

That was good.

I like to introduce Rabbi Evan Hoffman who will deliver our invocation.

We're assembled today to celebrate and salute and give honor to the officers of the Neurochell Police Department.

Our safety, our physical safety, is in the hands of divine providence, as assisted down here on earth by the local law enforcement who patrol the streets and make sure to the best of their ability that we stay safe.

Every Sabbath morning, every Saturday morning, in my synagogue, Congregation Anshesholem, 50 North Avenue, the oldest synagogue in New Rochelle, one of the oldest houses of worship in New Rochelle, I interrupt the reading of the Bible to offer a prayer for our Republic, for the soldiers of the United States Armed Forces, and for the police of the New Rochelle Police Department.

And I say to God, as I lift my hands heavenward and my heart heavenward.

May God give them success in their missions and return home safely to their families.

And to the families who were here today, celebrating a husband or a wife, a mother, a father, a son, or a daughter, we know it's not easy for you.

Wondering at the end of the shift, will my loved one come home safely?

And we pray that they always do.

In an increasingly chaotic world, we ask God that our city of New Rochelle continue to be an oasis of relative tranquility, in which we can live as brothers and sisters, and which no one should ever have reason to be afraid.

And let us say Amen.

The police commissioner Neil K.

Reynolds and I will conduct Honor Roll Call.

Detective Lieutenant Fagan, please bring the platoon to attention for honor roll call.

Maurice Hearn was appointed Special Patrolman by Neurochell on May 12, 1899.

On June 20th, 1903, at about a 115 a.m., Patrolman A.

Hearn observed an individual stumbling over the railroad tracks.

After approaching the unidentified man, a struggle ensued in which Patrolman Hearn was shot several times.

He died as a result of his wounds.

Lieutenant Thomas J.

Payne, Acton.

Lieutenant Pay was appointed Special Patrolman by Neurochell on September 12, 1910.

On June 1st, 1929, Lieutenant Payne was hit by a truck while investigating an auto accident and died as a result of his injuries on September 23rd, 1929.

Patrolman Daniel F.

Murphy, Apton.

Patrolman Murphy was appointed to the department on May 12th, 1924.

He died on April 25th, 1930, five days after he was severely injured while on motorcycle patrol on Easter Sunday.

Patrolman Timothy Mahoney.

Patrolman Mahoney was appointed to the department on April 3rd, 1922.

He died on May 5th, 1930, shortly after his patrol wagon overturned during a collision.

Detective William E.

Mancusi.

Detective Mancusi was appointed to the department on October 12th, 1922.

He died on July 20th, 1934, when the unmarked car he was a passenger in was involved in an accident in Stanford, Connecticut.

Detective Mancusi was on his way back from Milford at 4 a.m.

where he had been questioning a suspect in connection with recent jewelry thefts.

Patrolman Alan B.

McLeod, Afton.

Police Officer McLeod was appointed to the department on October 5th, 1970.

On February 14th, 1977, he responded to a report of a gunman holding hostages at the Neptune World Moving Company.

Officer McLeod was slain by a disgruntled ex-employee who invaded the company's Wayman Avenue warehouse in a Nazi stormtrooper's uniform and opened fire with a high-powered rifle.

Detective John C.

Phillips.

Detective Phillips was appointed to the department on October 9th, 1963.

He was killed in an auto accident on October 1st, 1981 at 2:30 a.m.

Detective Phillips was a passenger in a car returning from a police investigation in the Bronx when it overturned on Shore Road after swerving to avoid an oncoming vehicle.

Police Officer Gary D.

Pagano.

Police Officer Pagano was appointed to the department on March 10th, 1969.

He was killed in a car accident during a high-speed chase of robbery suspects on September 14th, 1982 at 1.34 p.m.

when his patrol car skidded off the New England throughway into an abandoned truck on the shoulder and caught fire.

Police officer Kathleen O'Connor Punagiello.

Police Officer O'Connor Fluungello was appointed to the department on January 25th, 1998.

After the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attack at the World Trade Center.

Officer O'Connor Funagello responded to Ground Zero to assist with the rescue and recovery efforts.

She volunteered her time, sifting through the piles of debris.

On August 16th, 2018, after a long and courageous battle, Officer O'Connor died as a result of 9-11 related illness.

Detective Mark S.

Gado.

Detective Gaddo was appointed to the department on May 2nd, 1977.

After the World Trade Center terror attacks on September 11, 2001, Detective Gado tirelessly volunteered with the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero.

He retired on February 7th, 2006.

Detective Gato died on September 16, 2018, after a long hard fought battle with the 9-11-related disease.

Detective Lieutenant Fagan, post-trip platoon.

At this time, I'd like to also recognize retired members of our department who passed away since our last ceremony.

Detective Carl Downs, Detective Paul Eney, and Detective Betsy McKenna.

This concludes our memorial service.

I would like to now introduce our distinguished guests seated on the dais.

We have police commissioner Neil Reynolds, Captain Raul Rodriguez, Captain Robert Torr, Mayor Yudiro Ramios Herbert, City Manager Wilfredo Melendez, retired city manager Chuck Stroll, retired police commissioner Robert Gozola, retired police commissioner Joseph Schaller, District Attorney of Westchester County, the Honorable Susan Cacace, Chief Investigator of the District Attorney's Office Investigators, Andrew Grassier, Rabbi Hoffman, and Reverend Denise Smart Sears.

Also in attendance, I'd like to acknowledge some people that have come.

We have County Executive Ken Jenkins, County Legislator Terry Clements, retired city uh chief court clerk, James Generoso.

We have Greg Gonzalez from the Police Foundation.

From our friends at the Westchester District Attorney's Office, we have Deputy Chief Jill Monaco and Deputy Chief Dale Brickwood.

Our fire chief Andrew Sandor is here.

Like to congratulate Chief Sando, he'll be retiring at the end of next month after 30 plus years of service.

Sorry to see you go, Chief.

And we have City City Councilman Matt Stern.

I'd like to call upon the mayor of the City of Nerve Shell, the Honorable Yudio Remos Herbert, who will make a few remarks.

And Councilman David Peters does express his uh regrets that he could not be here today.

Good morning, everyone.

I'm really grateful to have the opportunity to be here to express to our police department our sincere thanks and just genuine appreciation for everything you do to keep our city safe and to help our to have our residents feel safe.

And I know today we're going to acknowledge some really significant and heroic contributions, but I know that every single day, whether honored today or tomorrow, never really acknowledge you guys go above you guys and galaxy people, humans, um, go above and beyond to make sure that residents have the safety and protection that they need.

So just really grateful to serve this city, knowing that you guys are at the front lines for us and to the family, as Rabbi Hoffman said, you make sometimes the ultimate sacrifice.

Your family members go out and you don't know what they're walking into, where they're going to come home.

You manage what they come home with.

So as a city, we are also very grateful for the support that the families offer to our officers to allow them to go out and do their heroic work and every every single day.

So just really from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much.

Grateful to be here and grateful to celebrate all of your accomplishments today.

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

I would like to now call up the city manager, Mr.

Wilfredo Melendez for some remarks.

Good morning.

I just want to start by saying thank you to our Commissioner Reynolds, his leadership staff, all of the department's support staff, the department itself, our former commissioners, city manager.

I also want to welcome and acknowledge the council members, guests, honored families, community leaders that are here tonight, and most importantly, the award recipients.

So thank you for being here.

This morning we gather not only to recognize achievement, but to honor service, sacrifice, integrity, commitment to our community.

Law enforcement is more than just a profession.

It's a calling that demands courage in difficult moments, compassion in times of crisis, and professionalism every day.

You guys are on the front lines.

You're the face of our city.

You deal with the widest range of emotions, right?

From a festive community event to dealing with somebody who's potentially at the lowest part point of their lives.

So we recognize the women and men today that represent the very best of this department.

Their actions remind us of the excellence in policing, is not only measured only in stats and reports, but in the lives that you protect, the trust you earn and the difference made in our community.

Some of today's honorees displayed real extraordinary bravery under dangerous circumstances.

Others demonstrated investigative skills, leadership, teamwork.

Many performed acts that were never never made the headlines, but made a lasting impression and impact on our fellow officers and the citizens they serve.

To the families, and I think that's an important part of this, and to the officers and their staff and their families, your support, your sacrifice, your patience, the understanding what makes this work.

Behind every successful officer stands a family that also serves.

So as a city manager, I have the opportunity to see the dedication of this department from a broadest perspective, not only through the major incidents and emergencies, but through everyday acts of service that go unnoticed.

The professionalism displayed by this department contributes greatly to the safety, the stability, and the quality of life within this city.

To our award recipients, your professionalism reflects great credit upon yourselves and this department.

You set the example for others to follow, and we are proud to stand beside you today.

So as we celebrate these achievements, let us also remember the core values that got us here: integrity, accountability, respect, and service.

So congratulations to you today to all the honorees.

Thank you for your service, your courage, your commitment to excellence.

Stay safe, God bless, and enjoy the remainder of the day.

Thank you, Mr.

Melendez.

I'd like to now call up the Westchester County District Attorney, the Honorable Susan Cakees.

Good morning, everyone.

And I'd like to thank Commissioner Reynolds and Mayor Ramos Herbert for inviting me as well as members of my criminal investigator staff here today.

It's a privilege to join you all here this morning to recognize some of the best representatives of your department and also to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our community.

This week is National Police Week, which we observe every year in remembrance of our brothers and sisters who have served their communities with distinction and have dedicated their lives to protecting their neighbors.

Since 1792, 93 police officers in Westchester County have lost their lives in service of enforcing the law.

In Nourishell, we know many of these names too well, and some were mentioned before.

Detective Mark Gaddo and Officer Kathleen O'Connor Fonigiello, that's a tough name.

Both served this community with distinction for a collective five decades.

And when the call to service came in on the morning of September 11, 2001, they answered.

Detective Gaddo and O'Connor of Fenigiello worked in search and recovery efforts at Ground Zero for long enough to develop 9-11 can't related cancers.

They both died within a month of each other in 2018.

We must continue to keep their memories alive, not only through commemorations like police week, but by the work we do every day for our Neurish L community.

The challenges of public service are enormous, and the accolades are much too rare.

But I want to make sure that you know that I see all the work that you do, and I'm enormously grateful for your dedication.

And I always mention every time I come to Neuroshell, you do have the best uniform in the county.

In fact, this was the first time a torture killing has ever been prosecuted in Westchester County.

It's not a charge that comes up all the time, thank God.

In March, the defendant was convicted of the top torture murder count, murder in the first degree, and she will spend the rest of her life in prison.

This trial required enormous evidentiary and investigative support.

It was a complex trial that had to meet elements never before proven at a trial in Westchester County.

But we prevailed because of the unrelenting, dedicated work of your team who worked with us for over a year to develop this unprecedented case and see it through to the end.

Thanks in large part to Detective John Ladaris and Detective Lieutenant Brian Fagan.

I saw Lieutenant Fagan.

Where's Ladaris?

He's in the back over there.

As a result of your collective hard work, the victim's family got the closure that they had been seeking for years.

And one of the most dangerous predators in this county, this county has ever seen, will never be out on the streets again.

And hopefully the legislator legislators really contribute to ensure that this type of individual never gets released onto the streets.

Detective Ladera spent the better part of a year working almost exclusively on this case, and it was his ability to coax the defendants, past victims, to come forward that sealed the defendant's fate.

Cases like these require trusted professional partners, those that we can depend on to handle the most serious matters arising in this county.

The Nurchell Police Department has proved time and again that it is up to the task, and I want to thank you from everyone in my office for the level of professionalism that you all bring to the table and the pride that shines through in your work.

It doesn't start with an arrest or stop with a guilty verdict.

But those milestones do remind us how much we are needed in this city and every day to maintain public order.

I look forward to strengthening the partnership between our offices over the course of my administration and to working with each of you at some point.

Thank you very much.

I want to congratulate all of the winners, and I just want to give a shout out to two of my senior investigators, senior investigator Murph Whalen and senior investigator Eddie Murphy.

Rumor has it they're getting an award today.

We don't know what it is.

But thank you for that.

Congratulations to my investigators and enjoy the day.

Be safe.

Thank you, District Attorney Catese.

Now I call up, police commissioner Neil K.

Reynolds for some remarks.

Oh, thank you very much.

I didn't prepare anything.

I hope I don't screw it up.

Yesterday we had a memorial service to rededicate our memorial wall, and I made a comment that at pest events that I've spoken at.

I the wind comes, it gets in my eyes, things get blown up my eyes, tears up.

But not going to make that remark today.

I'm just going to say it.

I'm a crier.

I'm emotional.

So I feel so free now.

But I am I am a crier.

So if I get emotional, please don't hold it against me.

If I don't, please don't hold it against me.

But in uh 1962, uh JFK.

JFK, we had police memorial week, and that was to honor the sacrifice of the men and women who gave their lives in the line of duty and to honor their families.

And uh I just I just finished a bike ride that I did with uh some other officers from around the country and around the world, actually.

We had some from from Great Britain, and we ride in honor of those members who've died in the line of service, and uh there were five of us.

There was uh, and I hope these two stand up, they're here today.

There was uh P.O.

Cadella, Detective Byrd, please stand officer Craig McClintock, Joe Molowski, and the ubiquitous retired Detective Sergeant Myron Joseph was there.

And so I just want to thank these two officers and and the rest of the officers for uh helping get me through that ride, and uh it's a great event.

Craig is gonna be leading our team, he'll be putting the arm on people every year.

People say they're gonna do it, they're gonna do it, they're gonna do it, and sometimes they come through and and and they came through, and I think Craig got the brunt of it when he met the family of an officer who died in line of duty.

Craig is like me, I hope I don't start him.

But but it's tough.

It's what we ride for, it's what we're here about.

If we can't stand for our own people, if we can't stand and honor them, then what are we doing?

And and I'm challenging the department.

They're all good people and they all want to do it, and they got a boss sometimes who doesn't understand scheduling, so I understand them, but I know somebody and I'll talk to them.

I'll talk to that guy when I look in the mirror.

But um, I want to thank them, and I want to get 10 NeuroShell police officers next year, 12.

We had the most in Westchester County this year, and I'm I'm aiming for more and more because I want people to understand, and it's not just in what you do and what you show, but we are there and we do care.

So I'd like to thank these two officers specifically for being here today and and and getting an award, but also Officer Molowski, retired Sergeant Joseph, and Officer McClintock because they they did the work for the families and for the officers that are no longer here, and I want to thank them personally.

Thank you very much.

And a lot of you donated to that.

We raised over $12,000, and we're going for more next year, so be looking out for us to send you a lot of uh a lot of correspondence in that regard.

So I want to thank the families, the families that are behind these officers and all of the officers of the Neuroshell Police Department.

You guys lift them up, and I need you to keep lifting them up.

I am definitely somebody who who believes in working hard, and I believe in giving everything you have.

So I challenge my officers to give a hundred percent of what they have when they are on the job.

Because that's important.

If you come in and you got 80, give me all of that 80.

But when you go home, give 100% home to those people that support you.

Those people keep you coming in happy and fresh and and and with a great attitude, and that's what we need.

We want you to come in feeling good.

You are good people.

We want you to come in as good people, remember your stakeholders, remember the people at home, and to the families, thank you for sharing them with us.

They spend more of our time, it seems, with us than they do with you, and that's a tremendous sacrifice on you.

So I'd like my officers, I hate when I say that.

I'd like the officers that I work with to please give a round of applause to your families and friends and loved ones to the men and women being honored.

I I can't say enough about the job that you do every day, and you're representative of a number of other people in the NeuroShell Police Department that come to work every day and give everything they have.

And I could say that I am proud of you, but it's not pride.

Pride would suggest that I have something that I I showed you.

I didn't show you anything.

You have it within you.

You come out every single day and you give what you can, you give everything.

What I do have is appreciation and gratitude for the job that you do.

These awards that you'll hear, that they're the jobs that they're on that they're getting awards for, these are, as the DA say, some of them are historic.

Uh some of them are big jobs, but the jobs that we we don't get awards for are the small everyday jobs.

The jobs where I've been saying lately, you know, you can look at a book and learn how to do an investigation, and you can follow it step by step and go through it and do it well.

But the jobs that you go on and you thank people for what they do.

When you go on these jobs and you make follow-up phone calls, and we have officers that are sitting here that make follow-up phone calls to people who have called us for help.

They want to find out how they're doing.

They they take the extra time to comfort people in their time of need.

Those are things that you can't put in a book.

You can put in a book, I guess, and you could read it, but it's it's just gonna be scale.

But these people have it within them, and that's what comes out, and that's why I am, if I'm proud of anything, so proud to be a member of the Neuroshell Police Department to work with people like this because they have it in them, and it comes out every single day.

And I'm extremely gratified.

Stuff given there.

So I want to thank you.

I try to say it as often as I can.

I try to say it publicly with no disrespect to any other police department here, but I think we have the finest police department in Westchester County.

And as the rabbi remarked, there's there's a lot of things going on about police.

Um and I think we're we're doing a great job.

I think we're coming together with our community partners.

I think our engagement is really having a tremendous effect, but it's still a tough job.

And something else that JFK said that I like to remember.

He said it when they were talking about the mission to the moon, and he said, we do it not because it's easy, but because it is hard.

And that's what I think about you.

You do this job.

Not because it's easy, but because it's hard.

And I thank you very much.

Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner Reynolds.

I would like to call up Mayor Ramos Herbert again to assist in the presentation of the first award.

This award is the Police Memorial Essay Award, which is awarded to students who submitted an essay on why they value the police.

The contest was open to all fifth grade students in New Rochelle, and we received 28 submissions.

I would ask that all three winners come up when called and remain with me.

The first place winner is Alexia Romero, Ward Elementary School.

The second place winner is Ella Murphy from Trinity Elementary School.

And the third place winner is Ella Rosamondo, Ward Elementary School.

The first place winner, Alexia Romero, will read her essay.

We the police are here.

They are here to protect us and help us to make sure that we are not hurt.

Hi, I'm a student for Ward Elementary School, and I am here to talk about why the police are a big part of my life.

I want to share a story that happened.

My brother had a seizure and turned a blue.

The first person to arrive is a young police officer.

He beat the ambulance and the fireman.

When he arrived, he ran to the door as fast as he could.

We were so thankful for that police officer and want to thank him for his dedication.

When he arrived, he was very calm and knew what to do.

After the ambulance came, the police officer went in the ambulance with my mom and my brother.

My friend's dad is also a police officer, and he works in Harrison.

He's always in uniform, and it's always amazing.

The details and designs and the badges are stitched on perfectly on the uniform.

They're very poor.

I know, I know lots of police officers, and I want everybody to understand that they're not scary in their suits or masks.

They're here to protect you and make sure you don't get hurt and live life safely.

So that's the moment of my essay.

It's just one day stop and thank your local police officers for all the hard work and bravery risking their lives for other people.

To sum up my essay, I'm going to thank the police officer for his skills, hard work, and dedication to his job.

I hope to see him again and thank him for all his hard work, and I promise to do as much as I can to help and thank the police officer.

Because thanking people that save your lives or others that you love is the right thing to do.

Thank you for reading.

Thank you for reading and listening to my essay and about the amazing policeman.

Hope you have a great day.

Sergeant Sabatina, I'm sorry.

He's since made sergeant.

He's doing such a good job.

Look at her.

Well, thank you, Alexia Al Achragt.

And now we've got a word.

Thank you, Alexia Alanella.

Thank you, Mayor Wayne Most Herbert.

I'd like to call Police Commissioner Neil Reynolds for the next awards.

And I asked the Captain Rodriguez, commander of the professional development and community engagement division to come up to the podium along with Miss Sandy Wolstein, Area Governor of the Neuro Shell Rotary Club, for the presentation of the Arthur Luce Klein Award.

Good morning.

Dr.

Arthur Luce Klein established this award by placing a sum of money in a trust with the Newer Shell Rotary Club, which a cash grant is made each year to a deserving officer.

The Arson Luce Klein Award is rendered to a member of the department who has displayed consistent excellence in the performance of his or her duties, unwavering loyalty, and commitment to the department and its goals, and a genuine concern for the community he or she serves.

This year's recipient is Detective Melissa Denish.

Detective Melissa Denise is a 16-year veteran of the New Rochelle Police Department.

Detective Denise's work has earned her multiple department recognitions, including a police commissioners award, two light saving awards, two unit citations, class C citation, a special incident award, a Westchester County Police Honors Award, and a one-year perfect attendance award.

Amongst her meaningful accomplishments is serving as the department's LGBTQIA liaison.

Driven by focus on helping people make better decisions and build safer outcomes for themselves.

Detective Denise has consistently gravitated towards roles centered on prevention, education, and a community connection.

She has supported the department's critical institute unit in a medical capacity, worked in undercover assignments, assisted the property theft unit, and has served as a youth officer with the community engagement unit.

For several years, she has organized and led our community summer fishing trips.

She currently serves as the department's social media coordinator.

Here she leads public communication efforts with an emphasis on transparency, accuracy, and direct engagement.

Her message approach prior towards clear, honest communication distributed public trust.

Her impact has also been recognized beyond NRPD as she was named Hero of the Month by the New York City Football Club for community-focused work.

She has contributed to charitable efforts through involvement with St.

Baldrick's Foundation, helping raise funds for childhood cancer research.

Separately, Dean Detective Denise designed a fundraising shirt supporting cerebral palsy awareness with proceeds donated to an organization meaningful to a family within the department.

She is deeply committed to the community engagement and uses every opportunity to build trust.

As an advocate for inclusion and outreach, Technical Denish further supported community initiatives through prior involvement with the Newer Shell Pride and participation with the city's LGBTQIA advisory efforts.

Outside of her professional civic work, Melissa is a dedicated mother to her son Ryder, remains focused on providing him with strong positive foundation.

Thank you, Ms.

Wolstein.

The next award, the Emperor Empress Ambulance Lifesaver of the Year Award.

I would like to call up James O'Connor, Vice President of Corporate Development for Empress Ambulance to assist me with the presentation of this award.

This award may be given to a member of the department who performs an act that substantially contributes to the life saving to the saving of the life of another person.

The recipients of the 2025 Life Empress Life Saving of the Year Award are Lieutenant Larence Bornholes, Police Officer Tori Faber, and Police Officer Kenneth McLean.

On September 29th, 2025, at about 1.07 p.m., headquarters received a call of male cutting himself.

Lieutenant Bornholes, police officer Faber, and Police Officer McLean's responded to the address where they met where they were met by distraught son and the housekeeper of the party in question.

The officer able quickly to able to quickly locate the individual inside the house, which had timed the observed severe knife wounds to the individual's neck and both wrists.

As the party was bleeding profusely from all wounds, these officers remain calm and under control.

Lieutenant Bornholes was able to utilize a tourniquet and place him on the right arm of the individual, which stopped the bleeding.

Police officer Faber did the same for the left arm, utilizing the tourniquet which had on his person, which stopped the bleeding.

Police officer McLean, upon immediately locating the party, observed the neck to have a deep wound.

Officer McLean applied pressure to the neck of the party and was able to stop the bleeding as the empties arrived.

Due to severity and location of the neck wound, officer McLean was asked to keep in a pressure on the wound from the home to the ambulance on all the way to the Westchester Medical Center, where emergency room staff then relieved him.

For the quick response and intelligent actions which substantially contributed to saving the life, Lieutenant Lawrence Bornholes, Police Officer Tory Faber, and Police Officer Kenneth McLean are hereby awarded the 2025 Emperor's Aimless Life Saving Award.

Thank you, Captain Rodriguez, and Mr.

O'Connor.

I ask now that Mr.

Mike Balacio, Jacob Bergwin, and Caitlin DuPree of the Nourish Hell Police Foundation come up to assist me with the perfect the award for perfect attendance.

For the five year perfect attendance award with Detective Vincent Marco.

Next for the five-year perfect attendance, Community Service Officer Latoya White.

Thank you, Mr.

Belassio, Mr.

Bergman, Ms.

Dupree.

I asked the Captain Robert Tor, commander of the Staff Services Division, to come to the podium along with the police commissioner to present the department commendation awards and the C citations.

Thank you, Captain Coyne.

Good morning.

The accommodation award may be awarded to a member of the department who performs an intelligent act or investigation that materially contributes to a valuable police accomplishment.

Accommodation awards are awarded to Lieutenant Edward Hayes.

While off duty for the intervention of a vehicle observed driving on the train tracks in Valhalla, thus preventing a major train accident and also the arrest of the suspect for aggravated DWI.

Sergeant Stephen Corriel for the rescue of a man who had fallen off and was clinging to the rocks at Davenport Park on a below freezing December night.

Police Officer Louis Del Peso for the apprehension of a suspect who had struck a Yonkers police officer with a motor vehicle.

Police officer Alicia Giasante for the preliminary investigation of a report of an intoxicated minor, which led to a major investigation of a suspect who was ultimately arrested for multiple counts of sex offense of minors.

Next time.

No, it's okay, no.

And now for the Class C citations.

The Class C citation may be awarded to a department member who performs an outstanding act in the performance of his or her duties, or conducts an exceptional investigation that substantially contributes to a valuable police accomplishment.

Class C citations are awarded to Lieutenant Nicholas Zazzulo.

For the investigation of a stolen license plates and illegal possession of a firearm and accommodation for his quick response and evacuation of a home during a storm or electrical wires fell onto a roof, causing a house fire.

Detective Sergeant Dwayne Jones.

For the investigation and apprehension of a suspect involved with the illegal manufacture and sales of ghost guns, ghost gun parts, high capacity magazines and ammunition.

And accommodation for his actions to persuade an armed man who had barricaded himself in an apartment to surrender.

Sergeant Timothy Adrian.

For the investigation of narcotic sales occurring in New Rochelle Municipal Housing Apartment Building, resulting in the arrest of a suspect for the possession of controlled substances, a loaded firearm, and the seizure of over $8,000 of drug proceeds.

Detective John Buffamonte for the investigation and apprehension of an adult suspect for multiple attempted sex abuse-related charges against a minor.

And for the investigation and subsequent arrest for a home invasion robbery.

Detective Nicholas Cazola.

And for the investigation and apprehension of a suspect involved with the illegal manufacture and sales of ghost gun, ghost gun parts, high capacity magazines and ammunition.

Detective Davy Martinez.

For the investigation and apprehension of a suspect involved with the illegal manufacture and sales of ghost guns, ghost gun parts, high capacity magazines and ammunition.

Detective Adrian Pinha.

For the investigation of narcotic sales occurring in a near shell housing, a municipal housing apartment building resulting in the arrest of a suspect for the possession of controlled substances, a loaded firearm, and the seizure of over $8,000 in drug proceeds.

Detective Maria Vasquez.

She has three.

One for the investigation of narcotic sales occurring in New Rochelle Housing Municipal Housing Apartment Building, resulting in the arrest of a suspect for the possession of controlled substances, a loaded firearm and seizure of over $8,000 in drug proceeds, and for the investigation and apprehension of a suspect involved with the illegal manufacture and sales of ghost guns, ghost gun parts, high capacity magazines and ammunition.

And also accommodation for the investigation of identity theft, conspiracy, and fraudulent credit card purchases at a home depot, which led to the arrest of multiple suspects who were committing the same type of scams through Westchester, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Police Officer Peter Aguilar.

For the investigation of stolen license plates and illegal possession of a firearm.

For the investigation of identity theft, conspiracy, and fraudulent credit card purchases at a Home Depot, which led to the arrest of multiple suspects who were committing the same types of scams throughout Westchester, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Police Officer Tory Faber for the apprehension of a suspect in possession of a loaded firearm and 26 grams of illegal drugs, and accommodation for the recovery of a stolen motor vehicle.

Police officer John Formasano for the investigation of stolen license plates and illegal possession of a firearm.

Police officer Armani Lantigua for the undercover work and multiple investigations resulting in the arrests of three drug dealers and the recovery of a large quantity of narcotics, drug proceeds, and firearms.

Police officer Angelo Mealy for the investigation of stolen license plates and illegal possession of a firearm.

Police officer Mary Ann White.

For the investigation and apprehension of a suspect involved with the illegal manufacture of sales of ghost guns, ghost gun parts, high capacity magazines and ammunition.

If I can call up Senior District Attorney Investigator Edward Murphy, please.

And finally, if I can call up Senior District Attorney Investigator George Whalen.

Thank you, Captain Tor.

The police commissioner and I will present the unit citations.

The unit citation may be awarded by the police commissioner to a unit of the department who collectively performed an intelligent act or investigation that materially contributes to a valuable police accomplishment.

This year we have four unit citations.

The first one for the investigation and arrest of narcotics dealer resulting in the recovery of 99 grams of cocaine and two firearms.

The recipients are Detective Sergeant Dwayne Jones, Detective Sergeant Timothy Adrian, Detective Nicholas Cazzola, Detective Davy Martinez, Detective Adrian Pinya, Detective Maria Vasquez, and Police Specialist Leticia Lua.

Don't go too far, guys.

Unit citation number two.

For the investigation and arrest of a major narcotics dealer resulting in A two level drug offense charges.

The recipients are Detective Sergeant Dwayne Jones, Sergeant Timothy Adrian, Detective Nicholas Gozola, Detective Davy Martinez, Detective Maria Vasquez, and Police Specialist at C Celua.

And since we're here, for the investigation, unit citation number three, for the investigation and arrest of a major narcotics dealer resulting in the recovery of a large quantity of cocaine and a hundred and forty nine thousand dollars in proceeds.

For the response, investigation, and quick apprehension of the suspects involved in a daylight homicide.

Thank you.

That was a particularly heinous homicide where multiple males accosted one male and ended up shooting him at the Heritage Homes.

It was a great job by all, led to multiple jurisdictions, search warrants.

There's a lot of work.

I'd like to call up to the podium, Ms.

Caitlin DuPe of the NeuroShell Police Foundation to assist with presenting the Citizen of the Year Award.

And I'd like to call up this year's recipient, Dr.

Connie Troub.

On September 29th, 2025, at approximately 107 p.m., the NeuroShell Police Department received a 911 call from a man reporting that his father is experiencing serious medical emergency and was suffering from significant bleeding.

Upon the officer's arrival, they were met by the distraught son and housekeeper, both visibly shaken, who directed them to the location of the injured man.

Prior to the officer's arrival, a neighbor, Dr.

Connie Trao, had already responded and was providing immediate medical assistance.

Dr.

Traub calmly and decisively rendered aid, working to control the severe bleeding until officers arrived.

Officers then assisted Dr.

Troub by applying tourniquets and utilizing available EMS equipment to stabilize the patient until members of the fire department and emergency medical services arrived on scene.

The man was subsequently transported to the Westchester Medical Center for further treatment.

And I'm pleased to report that he ultimately made a full recovery.

The incident could not easily have resulted.

The incident could easily have resulted in a far more tragic outcome were it not for Dr.

Traub's quick thinking, compassion, and willingness to act in a critical moment.

Her immediate intervention and life-saving care exemplify the very best of community service and concern for others.

For her selfless actions and outstanding assistance during this emergency, Dr.

Connie Trav is hereby awarded the NeuroShell Police Department Civilian of the Year Award for 2025.

Thank you, Mr.

Freak.

I would like to call Captain Rodriguez back to the podium along with Police Association President, Detective Gregory Herring, to assist in the presentation of the Community Engagement and Outreach Award.

Sergeant Paul DeRasmo is a sergeant on the first tour, which means that he works the midnight to 8 a.m.

shift.

He's been a supervisor and mentor police officers under his command.

Parts of his supervision styles to take officers or new sergeants to the tour to numerous locations, uh communities in New Roshell in order to meet business employees or residents who were up after midnight or waking up and opening business during early morning hours.

During 2025, Sergeant DeRaz was instrumental in obtaining donations and organizing a backpack giveaway for deserving de use in our Neuroshell community.

He has also organized Thanksgiving Turkey Drive for Sisses of New Rochelle.

And additionally, Sergeant Dorazo set up defensive tactic training with local gyms in Urochelle for our police officers and officers from other jurisdictions within Westchester County.

For a selfless actions and humanitarian efforts, Sergeant Paul Durasmo was awarded the community engagement and outreach award for 2025.

Thank you again, Captain Coyne.

The recipient of the civilian employee year is Community Service Officer Junique Martin.

Community Service Officer Junique Barton was appointed to the department on March 22nd, 2021.

She currently works on the Third Tour Communications Unit, where she has become a key team member.

CSO Martin is a New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services certified instructor in general topics and is a CSO training officer.

During 2025, CSO Martin handled 7,208 calls, 2,011 of which resulted in calls for service.

She consistently demonstrates exceptional initiative, accuracy, and the attention to detail.

Whether assigned to call taking or dispatch operations, she performs with unwavering focus and professionalism.

Fully understanding that even minor details can have significant implications for officer safety and public trust.

TSO Martin is collaborative and supportive team member who is frequently sought after by fellow CSOs and officers for guidance.

She provides thoughtful, accurate assistance, works effectively with all members of all members of the department, and demonstrates strong report writing skills through clear, concise, and informative documentation.

Her professionalism and positive presence contribute to unit morale and cohesion.

CSO Martin's consistent excellence, leadership within the community the communications unit, and commitment to both her colleagues and the community distinguish her as an invaluable asset to the department.

Community service officer Jeanque Martin is truly deserving of recognition as a civilian of the year for 2025.

Thank you, Captain Torr and Mr.

Bergman.

I'd like to give a shout out to Janique's mom, who was one of the most important people in the Aeroshell Police Department in charge of payroll.

Recently retired and enjoying retirement.

I asked that Robert Hayes, President of the NeuroShell Chamber of Commerce, and owner of the famed the Beachmont Tavern.

Come to the podium to assist with the presentation of the Neurochell Chamber of Commerce Investigator of the Year Award.

The investigator of the year may be presented to a member of the department who has consistently demonstrated outstanding work and commitment in solving difficult cases and bringing investigations to a successful conclusion.

The recipient of the Investigator of the Year Award for 2025 is Detective John Bolfamonte.

Today we recognize a detective who exemplifies everything we ask of an investigator.

Skill, tenacity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Detective Bolfamontte joined the department in 2018 and was promoted to detective in August of 2024.

A graduate of Iona College and CUNE John J.

College of Criminal Justice, he serves in our criminal investigations division, General Investigations Unit.

And while he was already named Investigator of the Year in 2024, today we are honoring him again because what he accomplished this past year demanded it.

In 2025, Detective Bolfamonti was assigned as lead investigator in a homicide at 47 Road Aquash Lane.

What involved what followed was a master class in investigative work under pressure.

Within hours, he had organized a full-scale investigation, coordinating surveillance review, witness, and suspect interviews, photo identifications and search warrants, all while maintaining close collaboration with the district attorney's office.

He then reached across jurisdictional lines, coordinating directly with the FBI, and played a pivotal role in negotiations that ultimately led to the shooter's peaceful surrender.

The result?

Five suspects charged with murder in the second degree.

All of it accomplished within the first 48 hours.

That is not routine police work.

That is exceptional police work.

On July 12th of this year, Detective Bolfamonti took on a violent armed robbery case in which a homeowner was pistol whipped and robbed at gunpoint inside their own home.

He had minimal leads.

What he had was determination.

Through the exhaustive review of surveillance footage and license plate reader data.

He identified a suspect vehicle, executed multiple warrants, and methodically placed the suspect at the scene.

His work led to the arrest of a Brooklyn man who now faces charges of robbery in the first degree, burglary in the first degree, and conspiracy.

The victim got justice because Detective Bolfamonty would not stop until he found it.

Perhaps no case this year speaks more to Detective Bolfamonty's character than the one involving a 16-year-old girl who was being targeted for exploitation.

Over a two-week undercover operation, Detective Bolfamonti patiently and carefully documented explicit communications from the suspect, coordinated a controlled meeting, and executed a sting operation that was carried out safely and professionally.

The suspect was arrested and charged in multiple felonies, including attempted use of a child in a sexual performance and attempted rape.

The child was protected, the predator is off the streets, and then it happened because of the detective we are honoring today.

Those who work alongside Detective Bolfamonti will tell you he answers the call at any hour.

Supervisors seek him out, prosecutors trust him, and the community he serves is safer because of him.

Detective Bolfamontti showed great leadership in one of the most complex and time-sensitive homicide and homicide investigations this division has seen.

His relentless pursuit of a violent robbery suspect and his dedication to protecting a child from harm, all of it reflects the very highest standards of this profession.

Detective John Bolfamontti is hereby designated the 2025 investigator of the year.

Miss Deborah Caruso, Treasurer of the Irish Benevolent Society to assist with presenting the police officer of the year award.

The police officer of the year award may be awarded to a member of the department who has consistently demonstrated a level of performance that furthers the goals and missions of the department and clearly distinguishes that that officer as an example for others to follow.

The recipient of the 2025 Peace Office of the Year Award is Police Officer Tory Faber.

Police Officer Tory Faber was appointed to department on July 6, 2023.

He's the recipient of a classy citation, two life-seaving awards, and a combination award.

He's a certified field training officer and certified swap operator.

Throughout 2025, Officer Faber showed a high-level investigative skills and newly learned tactics, which led to exceptional investigations, resulting in numerous arrests for various crimes, such as weapons, narcotics, forged instruments, burglaries, assaults, criminal contempt, as well as life-saving actions in safely dealing with emotionally deserved persons.

An example of such are the follows.

On April 6th, 2025, Officer Faber conducted a traffic stop that led to the offender being charged with criminal possession of firearm, loaded firearm and multiple counts of criminal possession of controlled substances.

On September 3rd, 2025, Officer Faber responded to a violent domestic incident that led to the offender being charged with criminal obstructive breathing and assault third.

On September 29th, 2025, Officer Faber responded to an individual using a knife to cut his neck and forearm and stabbed himself two times in the stomach.

Officer Faber reacted quickly in applying a tourniquet and running life-saving aid to the individual.

For his consistent exemplary performance, police officer Tori Faber is recognized as police officer of the year for 2025.

Thank you, Captain Rodriguez and Ms.

Crusoe.

Police Commissioner Reynolds will present the final awards.

The police commissioner's award shall be rendered to a member of the department who consistently displays excellent skills, attitude, appearance, and performance during the completion of his or her duties, and by his or her professional employment, constantly improving the public safety of the community.

Your recipients are Detective Marissa Bird.

Detective Michael Nader.

Thank you, Commissioner Reynolds.

I'd ask you all to please stand.

Reverend Denise Smart Sears will deliver the benedictions.

And we just want to say thank you.

My prayer for you specifically is that out of the eighty thousand citizens of New Rochelle that at least one a day may say thank you to you when we see you passing in the street, in the local restaurants, or even in your cars.

May God bless you and keep you from all harm.

May God keep your life and bless your going out and your coming in today and forevermore.

Amen.

Thank you, Reverend Spontiers.

Please remain standing as Ms.

Dana Angel from our records unit sings America the Beautiful.

Oh beautiful for space guys for waves of grain for purple mountain majesty.

And crown with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.

Thank you, Ms.

Angel.

Well, this concludes our ceremony.

I like to once again thank Dennis Grammas and the Green Tree staff for hosting us this morning.

I'd like to particularly thank Lieutenant Hayes and the police commissioner Secretary Barbara Cabrera for helping put this all together.

So please join us for the buffet.

Thank you very much for coming.