New York City Insider: National First Responders Day Push at Times Square Ceremony.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FIRST RESPONDER HEROES, FDNY AND NYPD LEADERS JOIN FIRST RESPONDERS CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION IN CALLING FOR OFFICIAL ‘NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS DAY’. 

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President Biden, Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, Thirteen States

Issue Proclamations in Favor.   

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Heroes from Across America Presented Medals at

Historic Times Square Event. 

New York, Oct. 28…In an effort to formally designate October 28th “National First Responders Day,” dozens of police officers, firefighters, nurses, EMTs and other first responder professionals from across America joined the First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF) at a Times Square ceremony and news conference Friday to help make official the national day of recognition. 

President Joe Biden provided a proclamation in support of NFRD for the Times Square event, as did New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and the governors of 12 other states. Luminaries on hand included Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) Superintendent Edward Cetnar; Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) Chief of Department John J. Hodgens; New York City Police Department (NYPD) Assistant Chief James McCarthy; U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Deputy Special Agent in Charge (NY office) Jimmy Arroyo; SERVPRO Chief Operating Officer John Sooker, and FRCF President and Chief Executive Officer Jillian Crane. A joint NYPD, FDNY, PAPD Color Guard helped kick off the event. 

“First responders put everything on the line for us day and night, and a national day of recognition for their sacrifices is long overdue,” Ms. Crane said. “During fires, hurricanes, floods, and other extreme events these heroes drop everything, including family time and obligations that the rest of us take for granted. First Responders Children's Foundation salutes each of these heroes, as well as their family members, and we’re optimistically hopeful that National First Responders Day will be officially recognized by the federal government and all 50 state governments by this time next year.” 

The House of Representatives in Washington has already declared October 28 National First Responders Day (NFRD), and it’s both hoped and expected that the U.S. Senate will soon follow suit. (NFRD would not be a bank or school holiday.) 

Several first responders from around the country were awarded medals at the Times Square ceremony, which was hosted by FRCF and SERVPRO. The “Roll Call of Heroes Presented by SERVPRO” ceremony included awards for: 

• Detective Lieutenant Commander John Ryan, a 43-year veteran of the PAPD Special Operations Command who served as Day Tour Task Force Commander for the entire World Trade Center rescue and recovery operation; 

• Grand Traverse County, MI 911 Dispatcher Andrea Holczman who guided (via telephone) the roadside delivery of a baby; 

• Erin Coalliar RN BSN, a NICU nurse at Helen Devos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI who has transported countless neonatal medical patients to hospitals by air and by ground; 

•  Anderson County, KY EMT Jimmy Robinson who saved a 14-year-old boy from drowning in a storm drain; 

• Los Angeles County Fire Department veteran Captain David Laub who flew to New York to help rescue and recovery efforts following the 9/11 attacks. Captain Laub also participated in rescue and recovery efforts in Puerto Rico following Hurricanes Irma and Maria;

• DEA Special Agent Christian Garcia who targeted the most significant Drug Trafficking Organizations and drug traffickers responsible for distributing the deadliest drug facing America’s communities now, fentanyl and fentanyl pills;

• NYPD Detective Erin Currie works in the Gun Violence Suppression Division and has been instrumental in taking guns off the street and is leading the charge concerning gang takedowns in Brooklyn.

President Biden’s proclamation is available. Proclamations from the governors of New York; Connecticut; Kentucky; Louisiana; Michigan; Mississippi; Nevada; Oregon; Rhode Island; South Carolina; South Dakota; Vermont, and West Virginia in support of National First Responders Day were also issued for the event.

This is the third annual National First Responders Day hosted by First Responders Children’s Foundation.

New York City Insider: Fri., Oct. 28, 11 a.m., Times Square: NYPD, FDNY, PAPD Commissioners to Join Push to Establish National First Responders Day.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NYPD COMMISSIONER SEWELL, FDNY COMMISSIONER KAVANAUGH, PAPD SUPERINTENDENT CETNAR, FIRST RESPONDER HEROES FROM ACROSS AMERICA TO JOIN TIMES SQUARE NEWS CONFERENCE CALLING FOR OFFICIAL ‘NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS DAY’. 

FIRST RESPONDER HEROES FROM ACROSS AMERICA WILL BE JOINED BY FDNY COMMISSIONER LAURA KAVANAGH; NYPD COMMISSIONER KEECHANT SEWELL; PAPD SUPERINTENDENT EDWARD CETNAR; DEA SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE (NY OFFICE) FRANK A. TARENTINO; SERVPRO COO JOHN SOOKER; AND A JOINT NYPD, FDNY, PAPD COLOR GUARD AT A NEWS CONFERENCE CALLING FOR AN OFFICIAL ‘NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS DAY’ HOSTED BY FIRST RESPONDERS CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28TH AT 11:00 A.M. AT TIMES SQUARE/DUFFY SQUARE ON 7TH AVENUE BETWEEN 46TH AND 47TH STREETS.

FIRST RESPONDERS CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION PRESIDENT AND CEO JILLIAN CRANE WILL ANNOUNCE A ‘ROLL CALL OF HEROES’ AT THE EVENT, RECOGNIZING REAL-LIFE HEROES ON A NATIONAL STAGE. 

New York City Insider: Congressman Adriano Espaillat Announces Federal Funding to the Dominican Republic through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Program.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release October 7, 2022

Congressman Adriano Espaillat Announces Federal Funding to the Dominican Republic through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Program.   NEW YORK, NY --Today, Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announced that $1,000,000 in funding is available for the Dominican Republic through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative program and urged eligible organizations to apply before the October 26th deadline. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was issued by the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Assistance Bureau (INL) of the United States Department of State. The project seeks, among other things, for the Dominican Republic to effectively combat corruption and transnational crime to strengthen democratic institutions, promote the rule of law, and dismantle criminal networks. Additionally, the project strengthens the Dominican Republic’s efforts to develop new legal and operational tools to combat financial crimes and support the justice sector in modernizing and streamlining processes in an effort to improve efficiency and transparency. Applications and all supporting documents must be submitted via: https://www.grants.gov/custom/viewOppDetails.jsp?oppId=343223#relatedDocumentsTab On the Appropriations Committee, Rep. Espaillat helped secure approximately $80 million in Fiscal Year 2022 for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, making these programs available for Caribbean nations. Rep. Espaillat has presented three initiatives of great relevance for Latin America and the Caribbean, including his bill H.R.4133 - Authorization Law for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, which would allocate almost $75,000,000 per year from 2022 to 2026 to enhance security cooperation with Caribbean nations and combat illicit drug trafficking, support justice sector reform and strengthen the rule of law, and address instability caused by natural disasters. “Contributing to the improvement of security and stability of nations throughout the Caribbean region, including the Dominican Republic, is of great importance,” said Espaillat. “A safe and stable Caribbean region that is more resilient to natural disasters translates into greater citizen security for residents, greater economic growth through tourism, increased employment and social peace.”   Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his third term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Second Vice Chair and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip. Representative Espaillat also currently serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

New York City Insider: Rep. Adriano Espaillat Hosts Special Event Honoring Legacy of Harlem's Dr. May Edward Chinn - October 13th at 3 P.M.

 

For Immediate Release October 7, 2022

Representative Adriano Espaillat Hosts Special Event Honoring the Life and Legacy of Harlem's Dr. May Edward Chinn.  Dr. Chinn Recognized as Trailblazer First African American Female to Complete Internship and Granted Admitting Privileges to Harlem Hospital. Thursday, October 13th at 3:00 p.m.  NEW YORK, NY – Join Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), in collaboration with Harlem Hospital and community leaders, on Thursday, October 13th at 3:00 p.m. for a special event honoring the life and legacy of Dr. May Edward Chinn, the first African American woman to complete an internship at Harlem Hospital in 1928 and first to graduate from Bellevue Hospital Medical College, now known as New York University Grossman School of Medicine. The event will be held at Harlem Hospital (Mural Pavilion) located at 512 Lenox Avenue, 1st Floor, Lenox Avenue and 136th Street. During the event, Rep. Espaillat will be joined by members of the Harlem Archives, Committee to Honor Dr. May Edward Chinn, medical professionals, community leaders and members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  “Dr. May Edward Chinn dedicated her life to serving others and through her determination and hard work, she helped advanced medical treatments for cancer screening that continue to save lives still today,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Dr. Chinn persisted, persevered, and her story serves as an inspiration to all of us." WHO:  Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) Harlem Hospital The Committee to Honor Dr. May Edward Chinn Harlem Cultural Archives Historical Society Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Local New York City and State Elected Officials WHAT: Special Recognition Honoring Life of Dr. May Edward Chinn WHEN: Thursday, October 13, 3:00 p.m. (EDT) WHERE:  Harlem Hospital -- Mural Pavilion 512 Lenox Avenue, 1st Floor Lenox Avenue and 136th Street New York, NY  10037 All events are public and residents are required to RSVP prior to attendance by emailing RSVP.Espaillat@mail.house.gov or calling (212) 663-3900.

New York City Insider: Statement from Representative Adriano Espaillat on President Biden’s Efforts to Pardon Federal Offenses of Simple Marijuana Possession.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release October 6, 2022

Statement from Representative Adriano Espaillat on President Biden’s Efforts to Pardon Federal Offenses of Simple Marijuana Possession.   NEW YORK, NY -- Today, Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement in support of President Biden’s announcement to pardon federal offenses of simple marijuana possession. “I commend President Biden on today’s actions to pardon federal offenses of simple marijuana possession,” said Rep. Espaillat. “As the President has said repeatedly, no one should be in jail solely for using or possessing marijuana. Far too many people are serving long sentences for non-violent drug crimes, and while use of marijuana is similar across all communities, historically, Black and brown communities are disproportionately arrested and convicted. Arrests and jail sentences for conduct that is now legal in many states has upended lives, torn apart families, and needlessly held people back from stable housing, employment, and education. “By pardoning thousands of people with prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession, calling on states to do the same, and urging Secretary Becerra and the Attorney General to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law, President Biden is reinforcing our commitment to advancing justice. This decision is tremendous for our community given that people of color are the ones largely affected by the criminalization of marijuana and largely incarcerated for it,” Espaillat concluded. President Biden’s three step approach: First, the President is announcing a full and unconditional pardon of all prior federal offenses for simple possession of marijuana by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. This pardon will help thousands with prior convictions seeking housing, employment, benefits, and educational opportunities who are currently ineligible based on federal statutory or regulatory bars on individuals with prior drug convictions. Second, the President is urging all Governors to follow his lead and issue pardons for state marijuana possession offenses. Just as no one should be in a federal prison solely due to the simple possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either. Third, the President is asking the Secretary of HHS and the Attorney General to begin the administrative process of reviewing how marijuana is scheduled under federal law. Marijuana is currently a Schedule I drug, treated the same as heroin and LSD and more strictly than fentanyl and methamphetamine – the drugs driving our overdose epidemic. Changing how marijuana is scheduled would advance research and facilitate the appropriate medical use of marijuana. “Today’s announcement is a first step in our long awaited efforts to decriminalize marijuana possession, once and for all,” Espaillat concluded. Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his third term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Second Vice Chair and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip. Representative Espaillat also currently serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

New York City Insider: Representative Adriano Espaillat Announces Congressional Applications to U.S. Military Service Academies.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release October 5, 2022

Representative Adriano Espaillat Announces Congressional Applications to U.S. Military Service Academies for District Students.   NEW YORK, NY – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announced congressional applications for district high school seniors to attend the U.S. Service Academies. “I was proud to have nominated several students from my district last year who received appointments to attend our U.S. Service Academies and join their families, friends, and teachers on congratulating them on their leadership, achievement, and commitment to the service of our nation,” said Rep. Espaillat. “They are the next generation of military leaders, and I am proud to have played a role in helping these young talented individuals attend our nation’s prestigious service academies. I encourage all eligible high school seniors in my district to submit applications this new cycle to be considered for placement to attend any of the U.S. Service Academies to have an opportunity to serve in our nation's Armed Forces." The deadline for 2022-2023 applications is Friday, November 18th.   Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his third term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Second Vice Chair and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip. Representative Espaillat also currently serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

New York City Insider: Espaillat, Cicilline Statement Urging Accountability for Russian War Crimes.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release October 5, 2022

Espaillat, Cicilline Statement Urging Accountability for Russian War Crimes.   WASHINGTON, DC -- Late last month, the United Nations’ Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine issued a scathing report finding that Russia committed war crimes in Ukraine. The Commission documented unlawful executions of civilians in more than 30 settlements, brutal executions, and sexual violence against Ukrainian communities, including children. In response to these horrific findings of war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as Russia’s troop mobilization in the region, Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and David N. Cicilline (RI-01) – authors of the Putin War Crimes Resolution, H.Res.964 – are urging the House to consider passage of their resolution to hold Putin accountable:  “Our resolution outlines Vladimir Putin’s indiscriminate targeting of innocent civilians and brazen assaults across Ukraine. Our “Putin War Crimes Resolution” makes clear that Putin is a man without remorse, a moral compass, or respect for international law. The United States must lead in the fight to hold Putin accountable for his war crimes – and strongly attest the global community will not tolerate these flagrant violations of international law and crimes against humanity,” the members concluded. “We urge this Congress to pass our resolution without further delay – and must do all we can to show our support of the people of Ukraine and families fleeing Putin's war.” The Espaillat-Cicilline resolution: *  Condemns the Russian government’s gross violations of international law amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity, stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and supports the efforts of international organizations to help people displaced by war and conflict; *  Condemns the continued use of unlawful and indiscriminate violence against civilian populations by the government of Russia, its allies, and any other parties to the conflict; *  Urges that the global community hold Vladimir Putin and the Russian government accountable for war crimes committed during the military invasion of Ukraine; *  Urges the United States and its allies to continue providing defense security assistance and humanitarian aid to Ukraine as Ukrainians valiantly defend themselves against Russia’s military invasion; *  Supports the continued use of sanctions against Russia and its allies until Russia ends its military invasion and unequivocally recognizes Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders and political independence.  Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his third term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities. He is also a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), where he serves in a leadership role as the Second Vice Chair and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, where he serves as Deputy Whip. Representative Espaillat also currently serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

News from Brian Harrod.

 

CYBER SECURITY: From The Desk Of Yonkers News Center Journalist Brian Harrod 

YONKERS NEWS CENTER: The City of Yonkers Is Being Offered A New Cyber Security Platform To Protect It Against Ransomware Attacks And Digital Viruses

#WOW.... And It Won’t Cost Yonkers A Thing.....

YONKERS: The City Will Be Able To Partner With CrowdStrike As Part Of A Shared Services Program Created By Gov. #KathyHochul, The New York State Office of Information Technology Services And #NewYork State’s Division Of Homeland Security And Emergency Services.

The Joint Security Operations Center was launched earlier this year to serve as the center for a collaborative response to local, state and federal cyber security efforts, and $30 million was put toward assisting municipalities across the state with cyber security technology.

As part of the shared services program, New York’s counties and the state’s initial JSOC partners will be offered #CrowdStrike endpoint detection and response services at no cost.

That will save #YonkersNY approximately $75,000 per year.

Mayor #MikeSpano with #NewYorkCity Mayor Eric Adams, #BuffaloNY Mayor Byron Brown #AlbanyNY Mayor Kathy Sheehan, #SyracuseNY Mayor Ben Walsh And #RochesterNY Mayor Malik Evans and cyber leaders across the state, are part of the cyber command center that will provide a statewide view of the cyber-threat landscape.

It will not, however, cover cyber security efforts for Yonkers Public Schools, because the new program only includes municipalities and not school districts, at this time.

https://yonkersny.town.news/g/yonkers-ny/n/124963/city-yonkers-being-offered-new-cyber-security-platform-protect-it-against

 

New York City Insider: Reps. Espaillat, García, and Velázquez Reintroduce Bill to Create Local Accountability in the Puerto Rican Recovery Process.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release September 30, 2022

Reps. Espaillat, García, and Velázquez Reintroduce Bill to Create Local Accountability in the Puerto Rican Recovery Process. In the aftermath of another hurricane, the Puerto Rican people need to continue having a voice in the Reconstruction Process.   WASHINGTON, DC –Today Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) reintroduced the Community Driven Recovery for Puerto Rico Act, to ensure Puerto Ricans have a voice and a seat at the table in the decisions about recovery efforts in the aftermath of yet another natural disaster. This legislation would: Strengthen transparency and local oversight of recovery efforts in Puerto Rico and facilitate local participation in contracting and decision making. It establishes a 13-member Civil Society Task Force elected from different sectors of Puerto Rican society, including local government, communities, foundations, business, labor and higher education. Appoints a representative from the Civil Society Task Force within each recovery agency, including FEMA, HUD, the Puerto Rican Central Recovery and Reconstruction Office and the Puerto Rican Housing Department, to oversee agency work and promote equity and inclusion. “I recently returned from a 4-day visit to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic to assess the devastation following Hurricane Fiona and saw firsthand the damage that ravaged the region,” said Congressman Espaillat. “We understand more than ever that our response must be swift and quick to aid residents in need, and critical to local community relief efforts. The Community Driven Recovery for Puerto Rico Act ensures that local communities have input, equity, and elevated transparency when it comes to the implementation of federal disaster relief programs. Ensuring local engagement at the decision-making table when addressing federal disaster relief ensures affected communities have a voice and are no longer excluded on the decisions that impact them directly.” “It is inconceivable that five years after Hurricane Maria our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters were still living under blue tarps. Now with the damage caused by Fiona, hundreds of thousands have lost their homes and still have no power or access to clean water,” said Congressman García. “Puerto Ricans know best what Puerto Rico needs. These are American citizens who need a voice in the reconstruction process of their own communities. The strongest federal relief effort will be one in which Puerto Ricans are empowered and included at every step of the process. “As Puerto Rico faces yet another long path towards recovery from Hurricane Fiona just five years after Maria devastated the island, we are reintroducing a bill that will make sure Puerto Ricans and community-based organizations have a seat at the table in the recovery process,” said Velázquez. “There are countless groups and leaders on the ground that have built trust and longstanding relationships with local communities, and they deserve to be a part of the rebuilding process every step of the way.” This legislation is supported by Oxfam America, Puerto Rican Cultural Center and the University of Puerto Rico Resiliency Law Center.

New York City Insider: Espaillat Statement Following End of Tourist Tax Policy for Dominican Passengers Traveling to and from the Country.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release October 1, 2022

Representative Adriano Espaillat Statement Following End of Tourist Tax Policy for Dominican Passengers Traveling to and from the Country.    NEW YORK, NY – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released a statement following Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader’s announcement that the $10 Tourist Tax will no longer apply to Dominican passengers: "I commend the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, for listening to the Dominican diaspora and eliminating the $10 Tourist Tax for Dominican passengers traveling to and from the Dominican Republic,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Earlier this Congress, I joined Dominican-American policy experts in submitting recommendations from the community, and the elimination of the $10 tax was a key priority. I have long supported requests to eliminate this tax and recognize that this is a great win for the Dominican diaspora. “Through my work in Congress, I have been a proponent of consumer protection, and earlier this year, I was successful in securing airline consumer refunds through the U.S. Department of Transportation for all travelers I vow to continue my efforts to help strengthen protections for consumers, including airfare price stabilization and other initiatives.”