Council Member Vickie Paladino hosted the Third Annual National Superheroes Day Breakfast on Apr. 28, honoring over 70 New York City law enforcement officers, EMTs, firefighters and members of the Transit K9 Unit.
During the breakfast, held at Paladino’s Whitestone office, located at 2015 Francis Lewis Blvd., Paladino presented a special New York City Council Proclamation to retired Lt. John Pappas, recognizing his 27 years of service in the NYPD Transit K9 Unit.
Lt. Pappas, along with his partner, a service dog named Palla, were celebrated for their years of commitment. “It was a pleasure getting to know Lt. Pappas and Palla in the last year, and we will miss him greatly,” Paladino said.
The event, which drew a diverse group of city servants, also featured a blessing by Monsignor Machalski of Sacred Heart in Bayside, marking his third consecutive year of participation.
“It’s my honor to host and thank the brave men and women who serve our city,” Paladino noted, expressing her gratitude towards those who put their lives on the line daily.
Paladino extended a warm thank you to the numerous local businesses that contributed food and services to make the breakfast possible. Among the supporters were Northshore Farms, Bayside Milk Farm, The Bagel Club, BJs, Stop and Shop, Cherry Valley in Whitestone, Met Fresh, Gigi’s Pizza, Aphrodite’s Sweets, McDonald’s, Cristina’s Deli, Lollipops Diner, Utopia Bagels, Cascon Bakery and CVS. She encouraged community members to patronize these businesses as a thank you for their support of local heroes.
