Marking its seventh consecutive year, an extraordinary gathering of federal, state, county, and local law enforcement leaders took place Wednesday evening at the Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Headquarters at the Alpine Marina, where some of the nation’s most distinguished public safety officials were honored by Jewish community leaders for their exceptional service, leadership, and enduring partnership with the communities they protect.

Hosted by longtime community leader and law enforcement chaplain Rabbi Abe Friedman, the annual event has become a hallmark of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the Jewish community, recognizing those who have demonstrated outstanding professionalism while fostering strong relationships built on trust, communication, and mutual respect.

Among the senior federal officials recognized were leaders from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and IRS Criminal Investigation. Honorees included Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James of the DEA New Jersey Division, Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts of the DEA New York Task Force, Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo of the ATF New York Field Division, Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Ratta of the FBI’s New York Criminal Division, and Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s New York Division.

New Jersey’s law enforcement leadership was prominently represented, with honors presented to Deputy Superintendent David Sierotowicz, Lieutenant Colonel Philip Buck, and Major Brian Polite of the New Jersey State Police. Also recognized were senior officials from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, Port Authority Police Department, Newark Department of Public Safety, and the Jersey City Police Department.

New York State honorees included New York State Police Troop L Commander Major Christopher P. Casale, First Sergeant Joseph Mitchell, Senior Investigator William Diaz, Senior Investigator David B. Ruderfer, and representatives of the New York State Troopers PBA. The ceremony also honored Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji, Rockland County Chief Assistant District Attorney Dominic Crispino, Sullivan County Chief Investigator Scott Kinne, Orange County Executive Assistant District Attorney Andrew R. Kass, as well as leaders from the NYPD and MTA Police Department.

Members of the Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Department were also recognized for their outstanding service, including Sergeant Martin Clancy, Police Officer Thomas Carlson, and Police Officer Charles Anders.

Rabbi Abe Friedman told YWN, “For seven years, this event has celebrated something far greater than awards. It recognizes the relationships that have been built between law enforcement and the Jewish community through trust, mutual respect, and countless hours of working together to keep our neighborhoods safe. We are proud to honor these remarkable men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting others.”

He added, “Whether it’s the FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security, the New York and New Jersey State Police, local police departments, prosecutors, or sheriff’s offices, these agencies have consistently stood with our community. Last night was our opportunity to thank them for their leadership, their friendship, and their unwavering commitment to public safety.”

Throughout the evening, speakers highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community organizations, noting that these partnerships have become an essential component of effective public safety, emergency response, and community trust.

The ceremony was attended by numerous prominent community leaders and public safety advocates, including senior community leader and askan Rabbi Berish Freilich, FDNY Chaplain Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Port Authority Chaplain Joel Eisdorfer, Brooklyn Borough President adviser Jacob Eisdorfer, Yossi Margaretten of Chaverim of Rockland, Williamsburg Shomrim Coordinator Yanky Itzkowitz, Hershy Margaretten, Rockland County law enforcement liaison Joel Richter, Abe Rosenberg, Abe Muller and Mordchai Goldberger of Kiryas Joel, Village of Airmont Trustee and Rockland community askan Yehuda Zorger, Rabbi Avi Richler of Chabad, Rabbi Mendy Miraznik of Igud Harabunim, Teaneck Deputy Mayor Eli Katz, and Shaya Hirsch of Blooming Grove. Their attendance reflected the strong and enduring relationship between law enforcement agencies and community organizations across New York and New Jersey.

Rabbi Friedman also expressed his sincere appreciation to Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Chief Steven Shallop and the entire Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Department for once again graciously hosting the annual ceremony. He noted that Chief Shallop’s continued support over the past seven years has helped make the event a meaningful tradition celebrating the strong partnership between law enforcement and the Jewish community.

The evening concluded with inspirational remarks and a closing prayer by Newark Council Member-at-Large Rev. Louise Scott-Rountree, who emphasized unity, mutual respect, and the importance of the enduring partnership between law enforcement and the communities they protect. She concluded by offering prayers for the continued safety of law enforcement officers and the communities they faithfully serve.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)