Chamber Hosts 2025 Police Officer of the Year Awards

On Thursday, July 17, 2025, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Police Officer of the Year luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn, honoring the outstanding service and bravery of Staten Island’s finest. The event, which has been held by the Chamber for more than 50 years, brought together NYPD leadership, elected officials, business leaders, and members of the public in a celebration of Staten Island’s bravest police officers.

The event was sponsored by Signature Sponsors Gerald Peters Inc., Philip Morris International, Richmond University Medical Center, Sottile Security International, and Staten Island University Hospital. Partner sponsors included Italianissimo Ristorante, Northfield Bank, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and Verizon.
The Police Officer of the Year Award was presented to Lieutenant Maximos and Police Officer Sahmanovic, who played a key role in dismantling a citywide burglary and auto theft pattern by stopping a suspicious vehicle and arresting four individuals tied to stolen property and weapons possession. His keen investigative work helped identify previously unknown suspects and prevent further Grand Larceny Autos across Staten Island.

The Detective of the Year award was presented to Detective Arthur Truscelli, who led “Operation Shady Business,” a long-term investigation into drug trafficking and financial crimes in the Stapleton area of Staten Island. His efforts resulted in 22 arrests, 11 executed search warrants, multiple firearms recovered, and the seizure of a significant quantity of narcotics and illicit funds, directly disrupting a dangerous criminal network tied to overdose deaths and community harm.

Additionally, District Attorney Michael McMahon honored Tom Ridges, who received the Prosecutor of the Year Award.

The program began with a performance by the NYPD Jazz Ensemble. Police Officer Christine Vega served as the ceremonial emcee and led the presentation of colors, followed by a rendition of the National Anthem by Officer Leandra Barragan and an invocation delivered by NYPD Chaplain Bishop Victor Brown.

The event’s keynote speech was delivered by NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who praised the dedication and professionalism of Staten Island’s officers. The event also garnered the presence and support of local elected officials, including Borough President Vito Fossella, District Attorney Michael McMahon, Assembly Members Michael Reilly and Sam Pirozollo, and City Council Member Frank Morano. A special note of appreciation was extended to Council Member David Carr’s office, along with other elected offices that contributed certificates of recognition for the honorees.

The Police Officers of the Month for 2024:

• January – Police Officer Paholek & Police Officer Vega (120 Precinct)
  Acting on a confidential tip, Officers Paholek and Vega apprehended an armed individual carrying a loaded 9mm pistol at a Forest Avenue location. Their swift response removed an illegal firearm from the streets.

• February – Police Officers Tagliaferro & Black (123 Precinct)
  These officers responded to a group breaking into parked vehicles and successfully apprehended multiple perpetrators after a foot chase. The individuals were linked to a citywide Grand Larceny Auto pattern and were members of the "400 Crew" gang.

• March – Police Officer Salvatore Dagostino (121 Precinct)
  Following a gunpoint robbery at a T-Mobile store, Officer Dagostino’s quick identification and radio communications led to the safe arrest of both suspects. A loaded firearm and stolen merchandise were recovered.

• April – Police Officer Anthony Gitto (121 Precinct)
  During a routine traffic stop, Officer Gitto discovered a rear passenger with an outstanding warrant and a loaded revolver concealed in his waistband. The arrest was made without incident, removing another illegal weapon.

• May – Police Officer Pagliarulo (123 Precinct)
  Officer Pagliarulo apprehended a robbery suspect who had assaulted a victim with a bicycle during a vehicle break-in. His actions protected the victim and restored stolen property.

• June – Officers Saladino, Ferrete & Picca (Community Response Team)
  These officers pursued and arrested a gang member who discarded a loaded firearm near an elementary school. Their actions led to the recovery of an illegally possessed weapon with armor-piercing rounds.

• July – Sergeant Anthony Crupi & Police Officer Steven Schwartz (122 Precinct)
  Across four separate incidents in July, this team conducted multiple traffic stops uncovering stolen plates, forged documents, illegal weapons, and narcotics. Officer Schwartz was commended for his sharp observation and investigative skills.

• August – Police Officers Khalef Spencer, Omer Abdella, & Paholek (120 Precinct)
  After a reported armed robbery, these officers located and apprehended the suspect, also recovering a loaded firearm discarded near the scene. Their coordinated pursuit and teamwork led to a safe arrest.

• September – Sgt. James Ferrazzo & Police Officer James Campiglia (121 Precinct)
  Officer Campiglia quickly located a vehicle stolen at knifepoint from a food delivery worker. He and Sgt. Ferrazzo apprehended both suspects and recovered the victim’s belongings.

• October – Police Officers Daley & Shehata, and Lieutenant Hesterhagen (PBSI Community Response Team)
  This team tracked and arrested two suspects involved in a violent carjacking and recovered a loaded, defaced firearm. One suspect had an active attempted murder warrant, and the firearm was linked to a prior shooting.

• November – Police Officer Ahmad Abdella (121 Precinct)
  Responding to a stabbing call, Officer Abdella and Lt. Hachemeister secured a crime scene and apprehended the perpetrator, who confessed to fatally stabbing his roommate. Their quick actions helped close a homicide case.

• December – Police Officer Sahmanovic & Lieutenant Maximos (123 Precinct)
  While enforcing burglary and auto theft patterns, they arrested four individuals in possession of stolen key fobs and a stun gun. Their work helped disrupt a citywide theft ring and identify previously unknown suspects.