Joyous return for holiday party for families of fallen police officers

Joy and laughter filled the room-along with kids, parents, uniformed police officers and canine cops- at the return of the New York City Police Benevolent Association’s Widows’ and Children’s Holiday Party. This treasured annual tradition, held this year at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach was cancelled last year by COVID but resumed in full merriment with dozens of families of police officers killed in the line of duty. The NYPD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums band marched in escorting Santa Claus.

Watch video of the event. (Includes b-roll, remarks by PBA President Pat Lynch and Police Commissioner Dermot Shea, and interview with line-of-duty widow Grace Russell, husband of 75 Pct. Police Officer Michael Russell). 

PBA President Patrick J. Lynch said:

“This is our way of saying thanks to these hero families — not for the sacrifices they’ve made, but for the strength they show every day. When New York City police officers turn out from our stationhouses, we walk past portraits and plaques of these fallen heroes. Knowing that their families have the strength and courage to carry on despite their pain gives us the strength and courage to do our job and protect this city.”

The entertainment featured something for everyone, including costumed characters, jugglers, face painting, magicians, NYPD horses, motorcycles and the holiday classic: family photos with Santa.