On April 10, Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. hosted his third annual Heroes Recognition Breakfast at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx.
Joining Salamanca at the event were NYPD Assistant Chief Benjamin Gurley, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Assistant Commissioner for Urban Park Service Asha Harris, New York Botanical Garden Trustee Joe Thompson, President of Acacia Network Raul Russi and Community Leader Freddy Perez Jr.
The Annual Heroes Recognition Breakfast is held to recognize and celebrate members of the Bronx community who have gone above and beyond the call of duty for the betterment of the Bronx. This year’s ceremony featured the following Bronxites being honored for displaying such heroic actions:
- PO Jorge Artaega Perez – Bronx NYPD Officer
- PO Kelby Castulo – Bronx NYPD Officer
- PO Ginger Tothsipos – Bronx NYPD Officer
- PO Jose Ramos – Bronx NYPD Officer
- Sgt. Jessica Torres – Bronx Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP)
- Officer Lisbeth Capellan – Bronx Parks Enforcement Patrol
- Sgt. Silvia Sanchez – Bronx Parks Enforcement Patrol
- Officer Kevin Feliciano – Bronx Parks Enforcement Patrol
- Rachel Arana – Acacia Network
“I commend them for their strength of character and for the selfless acts they have done, and continue to do, for our South Bronx community,” Salamanca said of the honorees.
Held in the Garden Terrace Room at the New York Botanical Garden, located at 2950 Southern Boulevard, the event also featured an invocation by Father Vinny Marchionni of the St. Ignatius School, live entertainment and a sit-down breakfast. All attendees also received free tickets to view the Botanical Garden’s orchid show.
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