Posthumous Award Given to Lieutenant
at World Police and Fire Games Gala

Lieutenant Vic Navarra was honored posthumously by organizers of the 3rd Annual benefit gala for the 2011 World Police and Fire Games on February 27 at Manhattan’s Marriott Marquis Hotel.

He was honored for his vision and enthusiasm both on the job and after retirement.

“He was kind, considerate and dedicated,” said Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano. “Not getting involved was not in his vocabulary.”

His wife accepted a Medal of Honor for him during the annual dinner, which garners support for the 2011 World Police and Fire Games in New York.

“Having the Games in New York was always his dream,” said Vic Navarra’s wife, Joanne. “He always said: ‘If you can’t be in it you have to be a part of it.’”

Lt. Navarra joined the FDNY in 1977, and during his 21 years as a firefighter, he served as Director of Fire Safety Education, sat on the Board of Directors for the Fire Museum and was a key developer of the Fire Zone education center.

He also partnered with Dick McGuire to form the FDNY’s first running team at the 1985 World Police and Fire Games in California.

After retirement, he and his wife, Joanne, served as start coordinators for the New York City Marathon and was an active participant in the Staten Island running community.

He also helped secure funds for the Burn Center through a number of races.

In the months following the attacks of September 11, he generously helped search for victims in the rubble.

“He, of anyone I know, deserves this award,” Chief Cassano said.

For more information about the 2011 World Police and Fire Games in New York, visit www.2011wpfg.org