Contact: Colleen Roche or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today honored Man of the Year, Chief of Department Louis Anemone and other Federal, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania law enforcement officials at the Eighth Annual Michael John Buczek Foundation Dinner. The foundation, named in memory of a New York City police officer killed in the line of duty in 1988, funds scholarships, an anti-drug abuse project and a Little League in Washington Heights.
"I am honored to be here tonight for the 8th Annual Michael Buczek Foundation Dinner," Mayor Giuliani said. "The Foundation takes the time each year to pay tribute to the courage and valor of the nation's police officers who dedicate their lives to protecting others. During his distinguished career, Chief Anemone has represented the highest ideals of the New York City Police Department. Over the years, his achievements have been many, but perhaps what New Yorkers will always remember is the bravery and professionalism Chief Anemone showed in the hours after the World Trade Center bombing, directing police operations that saved many lives. The courage Chief Anemone showed that day will always be appreciated by the people of New York City."
Chief Louis Anemone is being honored for his lifelong career with the NYPD and his tireless efforts in the war on crime. Chief Anemone joined the Department in 1964 as a trainee and became an officer less than three years later. During three decades of distinguished service, he rose quickly through the ranks of the Department and was named Chief of Department January 15, 1995. In the aftermath of the World Trade Center bombing, Chief Anemone directed police rescue operations that safely evacuated thousands. Police helicopters made 40 rooftop landings to airlift survivors from the Twin Towers.
Also being recognized tonight is Oklahoma State Highway Patrol Trooper Charles Hanger, who is being presented with the Foundation's Medal of Honor. On April 19, 1995, 17 minutes after the bombing of the Oklahoma City federal building, Trooper Hanger stopped a yellow Mercury Marquis because it had no rear license plate. The driver turned out to be bombing suspect Timothy McVeigh.
Two other Medal of Honor awards were presented posthumously to Lt. Federico Narvaez, a New York City Police Officer killed in the line of duty on October 18, 1996, and Robert L. Fisher Jr., a Teaneck Police Department officer, who was shot and killed by three thieves on April 19, 1996.