The
Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC),
the world’s largest veterinary teaching
hospital and
NYC’s only Level 1 Trauma Center, hosted
its annual
Top
Dog Gala
on Tuesday,
December 10th at Cipriani 42nd Street.
This year’s benefit honored four members
of the NYPD K9 Emergency Services Unit,
their handlers, and the fallen officers
whose names the dogs carry in tribute.
The night’s honorees have patrolled NYC
streets and subways, sniffed out
explosive and suspicious devices,
supported missing person searches,
assisted in dangerous situations, and
have been an integral part of building
community relationships throughout the
five boroughs.
The event, co-chaired by Nancy
Kissinger, Elaine Langone,
Marianne Mebane, and Annette de la Renta,
supports AMC’s mission to provide
world-class veterinary care to animals
and lead the advancement of veterinary
medicine through innovative clinical
research and education.
Over 400 guests were in attendance,
including Stephen and Christine
Schwarzman, Bernadette Peters, Elaine
and Kenneth Langone, Ann and Andrew
Tisch, Eva and John Usdan, NYPD
Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Former NJ
Governor Thomas Kean, Lisa Schiff, Donna
Acquavella, Emilia Saint-Amand
Krimendahl, Tina Pendergrast Santi
Flaherty, Carolina Herrera, Former NYPD
Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and
Counterterrorism John Miller, model
Taylor Hill,
and so many others.
“For over 20 years, AMC has partnered
with the NYPD to provide medical care to
K9 officers, allowing these vital
members of the force to heal, recover
from any injuries, and ultimately better
serve all New Yorkers with their
partners,” said Helen Irving, RN, MBA,
President & Chief Executive Officer of
AMC.
“Our honorees have gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the
safety of all New Yorkers. We’re
thrilled to honor them for all that
they’ve done and for honoring the
memories of loved ones.”
“We are deeply honored to pay tribute to
the brave officers who sacrificed their
lives protecting our great city
and the K9s
who carry their names
—K9 Hansen, K9 Mos, K9 Louie, and K9
Tombo—
as well as their expert handlers,”
said Nicole Seligman, Co-Chair, Board of
Trustees of AMC.
“We thank these dedicated public servants, and the entire NYPD,
for protecting and serving all New Yorkers.”
The four honorees are:
K9 Mos, a five-year-old Dutch Shepherd
named in memory of Police Officer
Anthony Mosomillo of the 67th Precinct,
who was killed while attempting to
apprehend a wanted fugitive.
Mos’s handler is Detective Ronald
Spalazzi.
K9 Louie, a nine-year-old German
Shepherd, named in honor of Detective
Luis Fernandez, who passed away from a
9/11-related illness contracted during
rescue and recovery efforts.
Louie’s handler is Detective Paul
Urquiaga.
K9 Tombo, a five-year-old Belgian
Malinois named after Police Officer
Thomas Gallagher, who passed away from a
9/11-related illness contracted during
rescue and recovery efforts.
Tombo’s handler is Detective Monika
Grejniec.
K9 Hansen, a two-year-old Belgian
Malinois, named after Police Officer
Kenneth Hansen, who drowned while posing
as a victim during
a training exercise.
Hansen’s handler is Police Officer Ryan
Ferrari.
AMC is currently undergoing a
transformational center-wide expansion,
made possible by a $125 million capital
campaign currently in its final stages.
This will significantly enhance the
clinical team’s ability to continue to
deliver quality patient care, explore
new avenues of scientific discovery, and
foster optimal learning environments
for residents and interns.
In January 2024, AMC debuted the Denise and Michael Kellen Institute for
Surgical Care, which is a pivotal part
of the 83,000 square-foot hospital
renovation and expansion.
In early 2025, AMC will see the opening of the expanded Intensive Care
Unit and Medical-Surgical Unit, and new
conference
and education center. |