BP Adams To Honor Latest “Heroes of The Month”
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams will honor Brooklyn’s latest “Heroes of the Month” at a ceremony today that recognizes a group of individuals helping to save lives in a variety of ways.
This month, Adams will recognize New York City Police Department (NYPD) Officers Charles Edwards and Damion Graham, based out of Transit District 30 in Downtown Brooklyn, for their heroic act of saving a one-year-old baby who had stopped breathing while traveling with his parents on a downtown C train in October.
Adams will also recognize NYPD Deputy Inspector Joseph G. Seminara for helping a Good Samaritan rescue a woman trapped inside a burning car on the Belt Parkway in November.
Finally, Adams will present a “Hero of the Month” award to Emma’s Torch, a non-profit restaurant in Carroll Gardens that empowers refugees and survivors of human trafficking to build new lives through the culinary arts. Earlier this month, it was announced that the social enterprise will operate the concession program at the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) Central Library.
The event is slated for 3 p.m., today, Dec. 27, at Brooklyn Borough Hall, at 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
Schumer Announces Appointment of Brooklyn Native To Medal of Valor Review Board
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) announced his appointment of Brooklyn native and 37-year New York Police Department (NYPD) veteran, Joseph Fox, to the Medal of Valor Review Board this week.
Fox is a highly regarded former Chief in the NYPD and currently serves as the Chief of Staff of SilverSEAL, a full service global security firm. While ascending the NYPD ranks to three-star Chief, Fox commanded Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, Patrol Borough Queens South, the Office of the Chief of Internal Affairs, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Training, and Brooklyn’s 71st Precinct.
Fox also served as Chief of the NYPD’s Transit Bureau, where he led a team of more than 2,600 men and women who secure the nation’s busiest metropolitan rail system. He is well known for both exemplary management ability and community outreach, which he has overseen in scores of neighborhoods throughout New York City.
The Medal of Valor is awarded to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life. As a member of the Medal of Valor Review Board, Fox will review eligible candidates’ records and recommend five public safety officers to the attorney general in recognition of their service. Medal of Valor recipients have served in a public agency and acted with exceptional courage in an effort to save or protect human life.
The medal is awarded annually in the name of Congress by the president and is the highest national award for bravery for public safety officers.
“Chief Joe Fox is exactly the right guy for this job. His steadfast dedication to the professional administration of justice, and close ties with the communities where he served makes him an ideal appointment for the Medal of Valor Review Board. Joe Fox has shown himself to be an outstanding law enforcement professional and his continued service to New York made him a clear choice for this position,” said Schumer.
Deutsch Applauds Arrests In Homeless Attack Against Officer On Subway Platform
City Council member Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Homecrest, Midwood) applauded the recent arrests of two of five homeless men who attacked a solo police officer last week while he was on patrol on a subway platform.
Last Sunday, New York Police Officer Syed Ali stepped in to help a woman who was being harassed at a subway station near East Broadway and Rutgers Street, when he was forced to single-handedly fight off a group of intoxicated men with a baton. The incident was caught on camera and has since gone viral. Over the last several days, Ali has been praised for his quick call to action and courage in the line of duty.
On Wednesday, Eliseo Alvarez, 36, and Juan Nunez, 27, were arrested and charged with obstruction of governmental administration and rioting. Alvarez was additionally charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon, according to initial reports.
“I am very pleased to hear that the men who attacked Officer Syed Ali on a subway platform several days ago will be prosecuted for their crimes. This will send a strong message that actions have consequences, and this City will not stand for our police officers to become targets. I thank Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance and the NYPD for taking this important step,” said Deutsch.
CM Williams Wishes Community A Happy Kwanzaa
City Council member Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) commemorated the celebration of Kwanzaa yesterday.
The annual celebration is an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the African community. Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. The holiday is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 by the African Diaspora all over the world.
“I give my sincerest regard and well-wishes to all who are celebrating Kwanzaa this holiday season. The celebration, which begins today, honors the rich African American heritage and culture, as framed the seven principles of Kwanzaa. These are the values of unity, self determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith .
This year we celebrate Kwanzaa while the supposed leader of our country openly denigrates African nations and immense hatred is directed at many in the African Diaspora. It is true that this moment presents great challenges. Inspired by the shared spirit of unity, or Umoja, we can overcome these troubles and move forward with strength and purpose. Our obstacles may be great, but so too are our blessings and our resolve.
Let us begin the coming year in steadfast pursuit of a better future, one which we can reach by applying these seven principles of Kwanzaa to our leadership and within our own lives and homes. Habari Gani,” said Williams.
