The event, an ongoing effort to unite in the fight against crime, celebrated accomplishments by the precinct over the last year while honoring those who helped make a difference in keeping the community and its residents safe.
Cop of the Year honors went to Police Officer Jose L. Caban, a six-year veteran of the force who has worked in the anti-crime unit, for his impressive arrest record. His wife Monique, also an officer in the 49th and winner of Cop of the Month in February, was on hand to congratulate her husband and co-worker.
Anna Lopez won the Police Administrative Assistant Award for her dedication to her work and civic activities, including caring for the mentally challenged.
Longtime Pelham Parkway civic volunteer and school nurse Barbara Gelnick won the Tom Twyman Citizen of the Year award. She has served as first vice president of the Jewish Community Council of Pelham Parkway and sits on the board of the Bronx Jewish Council Home Attendant Services.
Kings Harbor Care Center, represented by administrator Alexander Stern and other employees, won the Business Fellowship award for its support community organizations and of council initiatives such as National Night Out.
Morris Park resident Michael Carriere accepted a Citizen Appreciation Award. Monsita Clarke and Michelle Calderon, who both passed away recently, were also recognized.
Lt. Alex Pizzaro earned this year’s Explorer of the Year honor, while Sergeant David Ramos won the Auxiliary Police Officer of the Year Award.
Ramos echoed the humility of many of the awardees, explaining, “When they told me I won, I said I don’t need or deserve this award. I do what I do because I love my community.”
