March 12, 2013
St. John’s University paid tribute to the City’s Police, Fire,
and Sanitation departments as well as the Office of Emergency
Management for heroism during Hurricane Sandy, with a half-time
ceremony at the men’s basketball game against Marquette at Madison
Square Garden on March 9.
As New York’s hometown team, St. John’s welcomed hundreds of
members of the City’s agencies to the Red Storm’s home turf for
First Responders Day. The University’s senior administrators
gathered on center court to make a formal presentation of
commemorative game balls to leaders of the NYPD, FDNY, DSNY, and
OEM—thanking them for their extraordinary life-saving efforts
during the most destructive hurricane in New York City history.
A crowd of 12,474 fans—the second largest turnout for a home
game this season—witnessed the event during a clash that saw St.
John’s overcome a 10-point deficit to force overtime play before
the 69-67 Marquette victory. Representing their agencies at the
ceremony were OEM Commissioner Joseph F. Bruno ’68L, ’88HON; Fire
Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano; NYPD Deputy Inspector Thomas
Burns; and Sanitation Borough Chief Myron Priester.
"St. John's is thrilled to have had representatives from New
York City's four major agencies and their heroic departments join
us for First Responders Day,” said Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M.,
University president. “We felt this opportunity was long overdue as
we joined with our fans to thank the NYPD, FDNY, OEM, and DSNY for
their tireless efforts in keeping New Yorkers safe each and every
day. We value our partnerships with these critical agencies.”
“Like all New Yorkers we appreciate the brave and heroic efforts
of the first responders,” said Chris Monasch ’81SVC, director of
Athletics. “The link between the University and the four major
agencies is significant, with St. John’s men and women employed
throughout the respective organizations. This event is a modest
gesture to show our appreciation for the great work they do serving
and protecting our city.”
Representatives of the City’s agencies expressed appreciation
for the tribute—and for a close working relationship with the
University. “St. John’s clearly recognizes the important role the
Fire Department played during Superstorm Sandy—as our firefighters,
emergency medical technicians and paramedics operated in dangerous
and unprecedented conditions to keep New Yorkers safe,” said
Commissioner Cassano. “The ceremony was a wonderful tribute by St.
John’s and celebrated the tireless work of so many before, during,
and after the storm.”
“We have a great relationship with the university community in
this city, and St. John’s is one of the major representatives of
that community,” noted Commissioner Bruno. “During Hurricane Sandy,
St. John’s had a seat at our Emergency Operations Center. I think
the good work with St. John’s and other universities has paid
tremendous dividends. All the efforts by the private sector, in
partnership with agencies of the government, led to the best result
we could have in a very serious emergency.”
During and after Hurricane Sandy, the University’s Emergency
Management Team—including representatives from nearly every
academic and administrative unit—maintained contact with the Office
of Emergency Management. “As a former member of the NYPD, I’m very
proud to be part of St. John’s effort to recognize the
contributions of our city’s first responders,” said Thomas J.
Lawrence, vice president for public safety. “It means a great deal
to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day for
the people of our city.”
