By: Lidia Evita, Staff Writer for World Liberty TV
The Lt. Det. Joseph Petrosino Association in America, Inc. honors the life of the late Lt. Det. Joseph Petrosino, a dedicated public servant who made the ultimate sacrifice working to make our world a better place. He gave his life but left behind a legacy and footprint for others to follow.
Dr Adal with James C Lisa Chairman LT.Det. Joseph Petrosino Association in America Inc
Lt. Det. Joseph (Giuseppe) Petrosino was a NYC Police Officer who served in the early 1900’s. He created the Bomb Squad, the Canine Squad and the Undercover Squad, all of which are still being used in today’s police work.
Dr Adal with Robert G Fonti, President LT.Det. Joseph Petrosino Association in America Inc
The Mission and Purpose of the Lt. Det. Joseph Petrosino Association in America, Inc. includes recognizing and honoring those individuals who make a difference in Law Enforcement, Public Service, Government, Education and Business with their commitment to the betterment of our communities.
Singing of USA & Italian Anthems by NYPD Officers
Our mission also includes working with the NYPD and other organizations who share our vision and mission to recognize the legacy of Petrosino.
Consulate General of Italy in NY Rep making remarks
We are proud of our affiliation with the NYPD, the International Association Joe Petrosino in Padula (SA) and Association Joe Petrosino Sicilia – Palermo.
Dr Adal with Patricia Manzo Esq Honoree
Through our combined efforts, we hope to inspire young Italians and Italian Americans here and around the world to embrace their language, culture and heritage.
Dr Adal with Sheriff Errol Toulon of Suffolk County NY
1909 was over one hundred years ago, the NYPD’s only secret weapon in the war on terror was a brave lieutenant known in “NYC’s Little Italy” as “the Detective in the Derby”.
R-L Robert Calarco From Gov Office Presenting Proclamation
The terrorists of that time were called the Black Hand, ruthless gangsters who preyed on Italian-American immigrants in NYC’s Little Italy.
Awards each honoree received
To gather additional information to combat the Black Hand Lt. Giuseppe (Joseph) Petrosino was dispatched to Sicily on an intelligence-gathering mission.
Welcoming remarks by Mr Fonti
Petrosino was ambushed by gunmen near a statue of Garibaldi in downtown Palermo. In the history of the NYC Police Department Lt. Det. Joseph Petrosino was the first NYC Police Officer to be slain on foreign soil.
Dr Adal with Thom Lupo Ntl President OSD of Italy in America
Lt.Det.Joseph Petrosino Association in America Inc, is headed by Hon. James C. Lisa Chairman. James C. Lisa is one of the founding members of the Lt. Det. Joseph Petrosino Association in America.
He is the Publisher of the Queens Times, a weekly newspaper serving the Borough of Queens.
Dr Adal with Rocco Manzolilo with his wife CEO Ponticello Baybridge Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Jim dedicates himself to perpetuating the Italian Heritage, Culture and Language and is involved with many Italian organizations. Mr. Lisa is a Graduate of Queens College.
R-L Peggy Petrosino with Carol D’Auria of 1010 Wins
Comm. Robert Fonti President: Robert (Bob) Fonti is currently President of the Lt. Det. Joseph Petrosino Association in America, one of the founding members of the Respect for Law Alliance (501C3) in addition to Chairman of the Town of Huntington Housing Authority, and many other organizations.Suffolkchambers.org.
Guests from Italy making special presentations
Also with a full board of directors and officers, heading this wonderful organization. Under the leadership of Hon. James C. Lisa Chairman, and Comm. Robert Fonti President.
The following were honored at the Lt.Det.Joseph Petrosino Association in America Inc Gala- NY 2026, at Russo’s On the Bay, at Howard Beach Queens New York.
Guests enjoying Cocktail hour at Russo’s
Captain Jack Conway, Commanding Officer NYPD Ceremonial Unit, honored with Outstanding Leadership in Law Enforcement `Award.
Russo’s Staff getting ready to serve guests
Sheriff Errol Toulon, Sheriff of Suffolk County NY, honored with Excellence in Law Enforcement Award.
L-R Mr Fonti with 2026 Honorees
Joe Scianablo, Retired NYPD Officer/ Former Queens Assistant District Attorney.
Anthony Saporito, Deputy Chief.., Recording Secretary DSNY Columbia Association.
Lt Det. Joseph Petrosino Association in America Inc
Patricia Manzo, Esq. Board of Directors member-Columbus Citizens Foundation, President the Strohm Foundation. Honored with the Jack and Helen Como Founders Award.
Thom Lupo, National President – Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award.
Hundreds in attendance
Dott. Catello Maresca, Procuratore Della Repubblica Italiana, honored with International Award.
Italian American Action Committee Founder Mr Robert G Fonti
NY Governor Kathy Hochul, was not able to attend due to her busy schedule, Robert Calarco, Assistant Secretary of Intergovernmental Affairs of Long Island, was in attendance and presented a proclamation on behalf of Gov. Hochul.
Mr Lisa & Fonti Presenting award to Sheriff Errol Toulon
Live music was by Dolce Vita, Music Entertainment Co. After Dinner and the festivities people danced the evening away.
Patricia Manzo Esq Honoree with family & Friends
Over 250 people were in attendance, supporting this wonderful cause. To learn and support the Lt.Det.Joseph Petrosino Association in America Inc, Click here. We want to thank , Robert G Fonti , President of Lt.Det.Joseph Petrosino Association in America Inc, for his kind invite.
Petrosino Association in Palermo Sicily
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