Astoria/LIC Kiwanis Honors Police, Firefighters

Front row (l. to r.): Astoria/Long Island City Kiwanis President Rose Anne Alafogiannis, Committee Member Linda Perno, John Pellitteri, representing City Councilmember Peter F. Vallone Jr., Award Committee Chair Antonio Meloni, bcpBank Branch Manager Chris Kavasilas, 108th Precinct Police Officer Michael Girdusky; back row (l. to r.): 108th Precinct Detective Glenn Yule, New York City Police Department Patrol Borough Queens North Commanding Officer Assistant Chief James Tuller, Rescue 4 Firefighter Richard Schmidt, Ladder 116 Captain John Rice.

Police officers from the 114th and 108th Precincts and New York City firefighters from Rescue 4 and Ladder 116 were honored on Wednesday, June 28, by the Astoria/Long Island City Kiwanis at Ponticello Ristorante. Officer Michael Tice and Community Affairs Officer Paul Chatham from the 114th Precinct and Officer Michael Girdusky and Detective Glenn Yule from the 108th Precinct received 2006 Policemen of the Year awards and Firefighter Richard Schmidt, assigned to Rescue 4 in Jackson Heights, and Captain John Rice, assigned to Ladder 116 in Long Island City, were named 2006 Firefighters of the Year.

More than 50 Kiwanis members, family, friends, commanders and chiefs applauded as the recipients received their awards, the police officers in absentia. 114th Commanding Officer then Deputy Inspector Brian McCarthy was also absent, due, like the officers, to pressing police business.

"It was a very moving event," a spokesperson for the Kiwanis members present said. "We are so very grateful to all the men and women who serve us every day, putting their lives on the line. We salute them and their families."

The event was sponsored by the bcpbank branch at Broadway and 35th Street in Astoria. Branch Manager Chris Kavasilas was a very gracious host. He and his staff, along with family and friends, welcomed all award recipients, and assured the Kiwanians that bcpbank is very interested in being a very large part of the community. bcpbank will soon open another branch at 31st Street and 23rd Avenue, also in Astoria.

The Astoria/Long Island City Kiwanis sincerely wishes to thank bcpbank, Kavasilas and his staff for all that they have done for Kiwanis and the community and looks forward to a long relationship with bcpbank.