The Queens Book Fair and Literary Festival Inc. and the Office of Adult and Continuing Education, on May 2 honored Hometown Heroes at the Queens Library, Richmond Hill Branch, in Hillside Avenue in Queens.
The afternoon ceremony honored Captain Mario A. Deras, Commanding Officer of the 106 Precinct, Queens, and Firefighter Thomas P. Gonzalez, Richmond Hill Engine 294, Queens.
Dr. Dhanpaul Narine, director of the Queens Book Fair, welcomed a packed, diverse audience and remarked that the recognition was well deserved at this critical time in New York, when safety is of the utmost importance.
He said police officers and firefighters are in the front line to protect the community. The educator, and community leader, referred to a tragic incident in Richmond Hill, recently, when a fire took the life of a resident. The police officers and firefighters were the first responders. They saved several other residents in the building.
“I call on the community to support the police and firefighters. Give them the respect they deserve,” said Dr. Dhanpaul Narine.
Sherry Algredo, the first Indo-Caribbean woman to hold the position of Chairperson of Community Board 9 in Queens, commended the honorees for their bravery.
Algredo, who was recently re-elected, has dealt with the police and firefighters in the course of her duties, and she knows first-hand how tirelessly they work for the community. She said on many occasions they put the interests of the community before their families.
Moderator Dr. Veronica Wiltshire was amazing. She took charge of the program and combined her knowledge of the role of the police and firefighters with present day realities.
She is passionate about uplifting youth. One of the standout moments in the program was the young people whose speeches resonated with the afternoon’s topic, that reflected the importance of law enforcement, and firefighters in the community.
Other speakers included Ariana Narine, Joseph, and Emily Algredo, Aneesh Sugrim, Samaya Shivprasad, Lionel Narine, Chandanie Panday, Emma Singh, Amira Singh, Karissa Jagbeer, Alexander Dial, Ganga Dripaul, and Sandra Persaud.
Nafisa Watson represented the Guyana Consulate, while Pastor James Pressey gave a rousing speech to highlight the importance of firefighters and the police.
Inspirational messages were shared by Dr. Kwesi Johnson, principal of Epic South School, Dr. Subhas Mohan, and community leader Rhonda Binda.
Sherry Algredo coordinated the presentation. She read the biographies in her inimitable style and thanked Queens Borough President Donovan Richards for the citations and Proclamations. State Senators Leroy Comrie and Joe Addabbo, Congressman Meeks, City Council Member Lynn Schulman, Assemblymember David Weprin, were also applauded for their service to the community.
Distinguished service recognitions were given by Community Board 9, while Plaques were presented by Director Dhanpaul Narine on behalf of the Queens Book Fair.
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar presented proclamations to Captain Deras and Firefighter Gonzalez.
In his reply, Firefighter Gonzalez thanked the Queens Book Fair and Sherry Algredo for the great honor. He pledged to work even harder to serve the community. The organizers were thrilled to have the presence of Captain Evan Galane of the 102 Precinct in Queens.
“A presentation of this magnitude required the input and support of many persons. Emily Algredo designed a beautiful flyer, Sophie Narine provided transportation, while Cindy Maraj and family offered delicious snacks,” shared Dr. Narine, adding, “Members from KBM Ministries helped with the set-up. Ashook Ramsaran author of ‘Beyond Expectations’ printed the program free of cost. Queens Library, Richmond Hill Branch, has been most generous with their time and space and we thank them.”
Nandy Persaud gave a well-prepared vote of thanks. She said that the Queens Book Fair fills a void in the community. It gives youths the opportunity to excel and parents look forward to the presentations. The next event will be held in September 2026.
