The importance of community service was noted and honored at the 62nd Precincts 33rd Annual Michael J. Ferraro Awards ceremony, held at St. Finbars auditorium on June 12.
Twenty-two local students and two auxiliary police officers were given the award, named after one of the first presidents of the 62nd Precinct Community Council.
Tonight, we celebrate with you, the actions of your children. Often, the actions of children are not always seen in the best light, said Louis Trimboli, president of the 62nd Precinct Community Council, to the dozens of parents and families in the room. We are here because of the actions you are doing to make your community a better place. Understand the importance of what your child is getting tonight.
Deputy Inspector James Rooney, commanding officer of the 62nd Precinct, noted that the precinct received a Unit Citation from the mayor that morning. It was one of three precincts to get the award and the only one outside of Manhattan.
This is our chance to recognize the service and talent in our Bensonhurst community. Without it, we couldnt do our job, Rooney said. The future talent of Bensonhurst is in this room. I look forward to seeing them grow in the community and wish them the best of the best.
Students also received awards from Councilmember Vincent Gentile, Assemblymember Peter Abbate, Assemblymember Bill Colton, Congressmember Michael Grimm, Councilmember David Greenfield, Councilmember Domenic Recchia and State Senator Marty Golden.
The award winners were: Aladeyemi Osho of Bishop Kearney High School; Alexis Greco of New Utrecht High School; Anna Kuryachaya from Brooklyn Studio School; Pietro Riggio from St. Athanasius; Andrew Aurilla from the Catherine Leboure Special Ed Program; Samantha Rubino of Our Lady of Guadalupe; Dominique Rivas from St. Mary Mother of Jesus/St. Frances Cabrini Academy; Lisa McGowan of I.S. 96; Michael Zaki from I.S. 227; Edwin DeLaRosa from I.S. 228; Bora Kagitcioglu of P.S./I.S. 229; Dianna Pinzon of I.S. 281; Cathy He of P.S. 97; Angel Contreras from P.S. 101; Meredith Wallace from P.S. 112; Johnny Parker from P.S. 128; Eduardo Cuahuteneos from P.S. 177; Jamie Rivera of P.S. 186; Jacklyn Pinkhasov of P.S. 200; Matthew Ricupero from P.S. 204; Nimra Shakoor of P.S. 205 and Julia DelRe from P.S. 247.
Auxiliary Police Sergeant Koutaev Alexander received the 2012 George Brossard Memorial Award. Alexander has been a member of the auxiliary police since 2002, became a sergeant in 2009 and has volunteered 5,000 hours.
Auxiliary Police Officer Henry Rios was named 2012 Auxiliary Police Officer of the Year. He has been a member of the auxiliary since 2007 and this is his second time receiving the award. He has volunteered 2,000 hours.
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