We will never forget the 9/11 first responders. Inspired by Queens Shmira's year-end "Meals for Heroes" initiative recognizing the dedication and service of NYPD officers, Sam Berger, NYS Assembly District 27 representative, spearheaded a similar endeavor on September 11, enlisting Queens Shmira to partner in a united effort to show appreciation to New York's Finest.
It was my esteemed honor to join the assemblymember and his chief of staff Ricky Malone on visits to three local police precincts - the 109 in Flushing, the 107 in Kew Gardens Hills, and the 112 in Forest Hills - on a sunny day reminiscent of that fateful morning 23 years ago. At each precinct, Berger invited the New York City Council representatives to partake in the visit and offer words to the officers. Such collaboration is central for Berger, who has used this past year since winning a Special Election to better his district with a growing list of meaningful and effective measures.
Twenty-three years ago, the brave heroes of the New York Police Department responded to the World Trade Center with the same self-sacrificing devotion to serving the public that today's officers strive to emulate. While Berger was just three years old at the time of the attacks, he was raised by parents who explained what it meant for the NYPD officers to put their lives on the line. Year after year, Americans continue to steadfastly honor the lives of those we lost and acknowledge the unwavering courage of survivors, and the selfless heroism of first responders.
At 11 a.m., Insp. Kevin Coleman, commanding officer of the 109 Pct., welcomed Berger, alongside Council Members Vicky Paladino and Sandra Ung, Elchanan Aronov, and myself on behalf of Shmira. By 12:15 p.m., Community Affairs POs Kevin McCarthy and Tim Gorman gathered 107 Pct. personnel for a presentation with Berger that included the presence of Council Member James F. Gennaro, QJL co-publisher Yaakov Serle, Community Board 8 member Israel Peskowitz, and Shmira Board Member Meshulem Lisker with members and myself.
At the conclusion of the 3 p.m. roll call at the 112 Pct., Capt. David Cordano and Community Affairs P.O.s Chris Desantis and Keith Tuohey shared in a discussion of communal safety led by Berger with Council Member Lynn Schulman, and Nesanel Schechter, Patrick Zagdanski, and me for Shmira.
Councilwoman Ung vividly recalled the trauma of the day, making Berger’s unexpected gesture of providing lunch even more poignant. It was well-received by the officers, who were for the most part too young to remember the harrowing scenes of that infamous day. Vicky Paladino expressed her appreciation and stated that we understand their harsh predicaments and thanked them for protecting New Yorkers day in and day out.
This past summer, the NYPD introduced its new slogan, "Fighting Crime, Protecting the Public," highlighting the two pillars that have guided New York City since the Department's 1845 incorporation. In 1996, seeking to build a friendlier police force, Mayor Rudy Guilliani introduced the C.P.R. campaign, "Courtesy, Professionalism, Respect," which has remained an NYPD staple ever since. The Latin phrase “fidelis ad mortem,” “faithful unto death,” stands as the NYPD's everlasting motto.
Unfortunately, the fight against 9/11-related illnesses rages on, reminding us of the ongoing struggles faced by our heroes and their families daily – those who battled on 9/11 and those who ensure our safety every day thereafter. As proud New Yorkers, we will not waver from paying tribute and lending support to everyone affected by these enduring challenges. Similarly, let us never forget the collective resilience of our city and nation in the face of darkness.
On 9/11 we saw how the brave men and women put themselves in harm’s way to protect New Yorkers just like us — something they continue to do each day since. Special acknowledgement for participating in the effort is given to my friend Yosef Noy, one of our community's unsung heroes dedicating insurmountable time to local chesed. The fresh dairy offerings were catered by Main Street's pizzeria, Benjy's Kosher Pizza Dairy Restaurant & Sushi Bar, just off 73rd Avenue. Collaboration between the NYPD, Queens Shmira, and our elected officials is pivotal in bringing the highest levels of public safety and security to the Jewish communities of Queens County.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
