By Nicolette Cavallaro
Staten Island Advance, N.Y.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The New York Police Department retirees’ Verrazano 10-13 Association held their annual Christmas holiday luncheon on Wednesday, where they awarded educational scholarships to family members and announced a change in leadership.
The luncheon, held at LiGreci’s Staaten in West Brighton, brought together current leaders, association members and NYPD officials, including Assistant Chief Melissa Eger, Deputy Chief Matthew Harrington and Deputy Inspector Eric J. Waldhelm as well as representatives from District Attorney Michael McMahon’s office. It also featured live music and raffles.
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Christopher Piazza, the current association president, began the event with an opening address, congratulating members on a successful year and reminding them of the importance of continuing to participate.
“There’s a list that goes on and on that helps contribute to this association to make us grow, to help us give out those scholarships, to make sure that we give out those donation checks to fallen brothers and sisters in the NYPD, or if there’s tragedy in a retired officer’s life,” he shared. “That’s what this association was created for. Hence the 10-13, an officer in emergency need, when that’s what this association is about, and I was proud to be your president for the last five years.”
Piazza also announced that this would be his last luncheon as president. After nearly five years leading the organization, he has decided to step down to an advisory position. Current vice president and recording secretary Tom Dembinski will step into the role in the new year.
Eger, the first female borough commander in Staten Island’s history, also said a few words, sharing her love for the association and gratitude for their involvement.
“I just want to thank you for your support, for recognizing us, for inviting us here today. We love hearing your stories,” she said. “There’s so much experience and wisdom in this room, and it’s just really refreshing and amazing to see how you give back to each other. A job that takes a lot from us, that has taken a lot from us, and it’s nice to spend time together.”
The event included a scholarship awards ceremony featuring four recipients, who had all been sponsored by members of the association.
“It’s about giving back to our brothers and sisters. They have opportunities for their children. You know, times are tough, and it’s a way of us giving back to the retirees that put in the time and the service on the job,” Piazza said. “We want to help assist with them and their grandchildren and their children’s educations.”
The Verrazano 10-13 College Scholarship, valued at $1,000 and given in memory of Richard Commesso, went to Lucy Dattilo for Molloy College. She was sponsored by Thomas Dembinski.
The Charles Maganato College Scholarship, valued at $500, was awarded to Sidney Paul for San Diego State University. She was sponsored by Thomas Marten.
The Blue Wreath College Scholarship, valued at $500, was awarded to Markos Zaranis for Seton Hall University. He was sponsored by John Zaranis.
The Verrazano 10-13 High School Scholarship was awarded to Joseph Masella for Monsignor Farrell High School. He was sponsored by his grandfather, Joseph Masella.
While contributing to education is a core part of the association, their main goal is to continue to support the health and wellbeing of their members, while continuing to grow the community.
“This was a tradition that’s been going on for probably over 10 to 15 years. We’re here to educate them on their health care programs. We’re trying to help them on what’s going on in the world and financial assistance,“ he shared. ”This is more than a monthly meet and greet where we’re keeping everybody in the loop, and it’s a brotherhood and sisterhood that will never change. They’re here to gather and talk about the old stories and to reminisce.”
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