PBA honors families of fallen heroes with holiday party

Spotlight on children of the fallen who are giving back to the “Blue Family”

The New York City Police Benevolent Association’s annual holiday party for the hundreds of surviving family members of NYPD heroes killed in the line of duty was held today (Dec. 9) at the Howard Beach waterside restaurant, Russo’s on the Bay. For the NYPD community, it’s a highly anticipated event that features a luncheon and gifts for the line-of-duty family members, magic acts, visits from dogs from the NYPD canine unit and, of course, a drum-and-pipe-band-escorted Santa Claus.

Among the attendees were several children of fallen heroes who are following in their loved ones’ footsteps and giving backing to their “Blue Family.”

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Shot List:

0:00 – Police Officer Brianna Fernandez, daughter of fallen 9/11 hero Detective Luis G. Fernandez, sings the national anthem.

1:00 – PBA President Patrick Hendry tells the gathering: “We never forget our fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, and we never forget the families left behind. But some people don’t realize it’s a two-way street. In this incredibly difficult time in policing over the last couple of years, you have been there for our police officers. Whether it was bringing food to the commands, whether it was words of encouragement in the roll calls, Cakes for Cops, phone calls, texts. Thank you for never forgetting our police officers who go out in the streets, 24/7, risking their lives to keep New Yorkers safe.”

3:45 – Interview with Police Officer Brianna Fernandez about her father’s legacy and what the PBA Widows’ & Children’s Holiday Party means to her.

5:45 – Melinda Mahon, the daughter of fallen Bronx Police Officer Kenneth Mahon, discusses her “Cakes for Cops” project. Melinda was only three years old when her father was shot to death by a gunman he had chased into a Bronx building Dec. 28, 1974. Eight years ago, Ms. Mahon decided to share her talent for baking with her father’s fellow officers. She began by baking for her father’s precinct, the 42 Pct., where he had served in the anti-crime unit. Soon, she began branching out, delivering the sweets to other commands as well. “Cakes for Cops” has visited 24 NYPD commands so far.

9:45 – NYPD Emerald Society Pipes & Drums and Santa Claus enter the party to a bagpiped rendition of Jingle Bells.

10:47 – Party B-Roll, including members of the NYPD Transit Bureau K-9 Unit posing with children.