05-13-08
#
Detective Christopher
A. Ridley
posthumously awarded Medal of Honor
Story by Joe
Parisi
On
Tuesday, May 13, during a picture perfect sunny day,
many gathered at a City Hall Plaza ceremony to
commemorate Police Officer’s Memorial Day. The annual
event recognizes the dedicated and unselfish service by
police officers to the City of Mount Vernon who have
served with distinction and demonstrated acts of
heroism.
This year's event attracted many dignitaries, which
included Westchester County District Attorney, Janet DiFiori, along with many friends and family members of
police officers that were honored.
Highlighting the ceremony was the
presentation of the Medal of Honor, posthumously,
to Detective Christopher Ridley, who was mistakenly
gunned down in front of the White Plains Social Services
building by Westchester County police while he was
off-duty and trying to apprehend a violent perpetrator.
The Master of Ceremonies for the event was Lt.
Roy Hastings, who stated: "For the first time in 34
years, the Mount Vernon Police Department must add to
its Honor Roll. It is with reverence and distinction,
that Detective Christopher A. Ridley be included in this
unique collection of heroes, which includes: Inspector
Frank J. Mascari, Detective Bernard L. Christopher, and
Officer Frank A. Borsito."
When introduced by Lt. Hastings, Mayor Clinton I.
Young, Jr. stated: "The City of Mount Vernon truly
appreciates the job you all do on a daily basis." He
then handed Police Commissioner David Chong a
Proclamation from the City of Mount Vernon, recognizing
the outstanding job done by all the members of the Mount
Vernon Police Department.
Prior to the presentation of awards by Mayor Young and
Commissioner Chong, Captain Angelo Fuccillo, Commanding
Officer of the Detective Division, stepped up to the
podium and provided a synopsis of the decorations.
All
in attendance listened solemnly as Captain Fuccillo
stated the strict requirements that must be met before
any police department in the country awards the Medal of
Honor to a member of a department. Tears were noted
coming from the eyes of some in the audience as he
stated: "Awarded by the Police Commissioner to members
who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry
and courage at the risk of their own lives, above and
beyond the call of duty, in an extraordinary act of
heroism and bravery without endangering or jeopardizing
the lives of others and without detriment in any way to
their sworn oath. A member must perform an act so
outstanding that it clearly distinguishes superlative
courage, beyond the call of duty, from lesser forms of
bravery."
Mayor Young and
Commissioner
David Chong next presented
the Medal of Honor to Felita Bouche and Stanley Ridley -
the parents of Detective Ridley.
Afterwards, Sgt. Kevin Mandel, President of the Mount
Vernon Police Benevolent Association gave Ridley's
parents an impressive plaque.
The following is a complete list of the awards
presented to members of the Mount Vernon Police
Department by Mayor Young and
Commissioner
David Chong:
MEDAL OF HONOR
Detective Christopher Ridley
(posthumously)
COMMENDATION
Police Officer Michael Martins
Police Officer Ronald Williams
COMMISSIONER’S UNIT CITATION
Sgt. John Mangeri
Detective Enzo Baia
Detective Martin Bailey
Detective Roberto Boncardo
Detective Anthony Mitchell
Detective George Ossipo
Police Officer Gregory Addison
Police Officer Patrick Dumser
Police Officer John Gamble
Police Officer Albert Hughes
MERITORIOUS POLICE DUTY
Sergeant John Mangeri*
Police Officer Gregory Addison* (2
Awards)
Police Officer David Clarke
Police Officer Patrick Dumser*
Police Officer John Gamble (2
Awards)
Police Officer Albert Hughes (2
Awards)
Police Officer Alexander Jarosz (2
Awards)
EXCELLENT POLICE DUTY
Detective Stanley Rice
Police Officer David Clarke
Police Officer Albert Hughes
Police Officer Alan Patterson
Police Officer Juliette Roach
Police Officer Joseph Dellaripa
Police Officer Michael Johnson
Police Officer Montica Day
As in previous years, The Pipes and Drums of the Police
Emerald Society of Westchester County Band attracted
much attention as they marched into City Hall Plaza.
Founded in May 1973, their membership is comprised of
officers from many of the 39 Police Departments within
the County of Westchester, New York. The band played
several pieces during the ceremony.
Once again, Mount Vernon Hospital sent representatives
to the ceremony. This year's representatives included
George Haskins, Senior Vice President and C.O.O. of the
hospital, along with Geneva Jermin, Director of Public
Relations and Frank Fraley, Vice President of
Advancement.
This year's ceremony will be remembered by those in
attendance for many years to come, since a Mount Vernon
fallen hero was awarded the revered Medal of Honor for
making the supreme sacrifice.
Lt. Roy Hastings, Master of Ceremonies
Mayor Young presenting Medal of Honor to Ridley's
parents
The Pipes and Drums of the
Police Emerald Society of Westchester County
Band
Officers
waiting to be decorated shown standing alongside Det.
Ridley's empty seat
Police Officer Michael Martins (l) and Police Officer Ronald Williams
receiving Commendation Medals from Mayor Young.
A
group of officers pictured after receiving Meritorious
Police Duty medals
Officers
being awarded Excellent Police Duty medals
MTA K-9
Police Officer Kenneth DiGeorge receiving a
Commissioner's Award for
assisting the Mt. Vernon Police Department.
Commissioner
Chong displaying a City of Mt. Vernon Proclamation given
to
his department by Mayor Young.
Det.
Ridley's family pictured with Mayor Young, Commissioner
Chong, and
fellow officers.
George Haskins, Senior Vice President and C.O.O. of Mt.
Vernon Hospital
