What follows is the testimonial given by NYPD Captain Peter M. Fortune, Commanding Officer of the 114th Precinct to honor lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Ann Bruno, commemorating her 25th anniversary as President of the 114th Precinct Community Council.
Tonight we recognize someone who is very important to the 114 Precinct and our community. Ann Bruno has served on the 114 Precinct Community Council in some capacity for 40 years. In June of 1990 she assumed the title of 114 Precinct Council President; a title that she currently holds today. She is one of the longest serving Council Presidents in the entire city serving the 114 Precinct for 25 years. Ann is also mother to three sons, two of which joined the NYPD rising to the ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant and a third son who served as a FDNY Fireman.
Ann Bruno serves as an invaluable link between the community and the 114 Precinct. She is not only one of our biggest advocates, she also keeps the Precinct aware of community issues. She is always willing to help others and acts as a constant link between the residents and the Precinct. Her experience is invaluable and it’s very evident in how she conducts the Council’s monthly meetings. Ann is a great example of what Astoria is all about. It’s the sum of many great people who donate their time and effort to make their neighborhood better. Ann is a beacon for all Precincts as to how a Community Council should operate.
Every year Ann organizes the 114 Precinct Community Council Breakfast. As many of you know, it’s an event in which community members and Police Officers enjoy breakfast together in an effort to help foster better community relations. The event is always a success and it could not be done without the effort of Ann and the Council. Ann also hosts the annual Children’s Christmas Party for 200 underprivileged children. Every child is provided with a bag of toys, hat, gloves, a McDonald’s gift card and candy. For many children, it’s the only Christmas they will have.
Through all the years and the many changes that the 114 Precinct has seen, Ann has been a staple. I am the 14th Commanding Officer that Ann has seen and it’s been an honor to serve this community with her. It is my pleasure to present Ann Bruno with this plaque for 25 years as the 114 Precinct Community Council President.
Here are pictures from the evening’s event.
