911MEDIA

This evening, members of the Jewish faith begin the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. The Port Authority PBA wishes all who celebrate, and especially our friends of the Port Authority Shomrim Society, a festive and happy Hanukkah. Chag Urim Sameach.

The National Guard was formed in Massachusetts in 1636, becoming our nation’s first, and now oldest, military organization. The Port Authority PBA salutes all PAPD National Guardsmen and airmen and thanks them for their service to the United States of America. Always Ready, Always There.

On Saturday, December 6, Port Authority PBA Delegates Malachy Cox (PABT) and Dylan Bernhardt (NLIA) helped assemble and deliver new bicycles to children during the Hero’s Holiday Bike Drive at Saint Ann Roman Catholic Church in Keansburg, New Jersey. The Bike Drive was founded by fallen PAPD hero Police Officer Kenneth Tietjen (EOW 9/11/2001), who began the effort years before making the ultimate sacrifice to bring holiday cheer to children in need. His parents have continued the tradition in Kenny’s honor and memory. This year, the Hero’s Holiday Bike Drive delivered nearly 200 new bicycles to children at various locations, including more than 30 bikes to families at Saint Ann’s. To learn more about the Hero’s Holiday Bike Drive or to support this meaningful cause, visit Hero’s Holiday Bike Drive.

Today, on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we pause to honor and remember the 2,403 Americans killed in the December 7, 1941, Japanese surprise attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. The attack propelled the U.S. into the deadliest war in world history — World War II. On December 8, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, addressing a joint session of Congress, proclaimed, “Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy,” placing America on war footing against tyrannical regimes. More than 400,000 Americans would ultimately perish fighting for the freedom we enjoy today — a debt that can never be repaid. They are forever known as the Greatest Generation.

The Port Authority PBA is saddened by the passing of our Brother, retired Port Authority Police Officer Louis “Weegie” DeMartino. Police Officer DeMartino protected the people of New York, New Jersey and the millions using Port Authority facilities daily from January 14, 1974, though his retirement on April 10, 1993. He had served most of his career in the PAPD Port Authority Bus Terminal Command. Weegie, rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace. Forever a “BT Cop.”

The Port Authority PBA is saddened to learn of the recent passing of our Brother, retired PAPD Police Officer Edmund Hom. Eddie served with the Port Authority Police Department from September 28, 1987, until his retirement on September 30, 2020. For 33 years, Eddie protected the people of New York, New Jersey and the millions using Port Authority facilities daily with selfless courage and dedication.