The Jamaica Rotary Club (of Queens, NY) honored cops from several precincts last Wednesday (January 26) at a special luncheon at Villa Russo catering hall in Richmond Hill. The event was sponsored by Indian Guyanese businessman Jack Rassbeharry of Queens. Over one hundred individuals, comprising of cops and their families, and prominent members of the community graced the event. Several police officers from several precincts were honored with the Officer Eddie Byrnes Award recognizing their work and distinguished serve (including acts of bravery). Byrnes was killed in the line of duty in Jamaica, Queens.
The COP of the month awards is hosted by the Jamaica Queens Rotary Club and is held monthly. The Rotary honors cops from precincts in Queens South. The club itself is located in the heart of the Indo-Caribbean community. It has many Guyanese and other West Indians. The Rotary is made up of professional businesses persons in the community. It has had a history of giving back resources to and serving the community. The Rotary is known to help take care of veterans. The Rotary gave scholarship to kids in Richmond Hill High School. It also helped to take care of the Seniors Nursing Home in Richmond Hill, Autistic Kids in Queens, among other worthwhile causes.
The COP of the Month is an event that goes back many years. It has been held at Villa Russo, 101 Ave and Lefferts Blvd in Richmond Hill. Every month, the event is sponsored by different members of the Jamaica, Queens, Rotary Club which is a not for profit organization.
The Rotary honored brave men and women in blue, for their commitment to serve and protect citizens and going beyond the call of duty. The cops receives a plaque during the luncheon and ceremony. This month’s award ceremony and lunch was sponsored with the kindness and generosity of Jack Rassbeharry who owns a plumbing company. The reason for the bravery that resulted in receipt of the award was read out by an officer of the responsible precinct. Each one of them had an unique incident in which they saved life (lives). They are deserving of the award, said John Iaboni, President of the Rotary. They all received loud applause or stand up ovation for their heroic service.
Iaboni has served as long time president. He said Jamaica Rotary Club is the only branch that has hosted the “Cop of the Month” awards ceremony. He thanked the police for their bravery, and dedication to keeping the community safe. He also expressed gratitude to captains of the various Precincts, for recommended those who went beyond the call of duty.
