The news recently reported that over 100 New York City first responders are expected to be arrested for millions of dollars in disability fraud for faking illnesses related to the 2001 terrorist attacks is disheartening to say the least. First responders are at increased risk for kidney damage and cancers as a result of their exposure to toxins during the recovery effort.

At our recent gala, Building Bridges award recipient, Ray Kelly told the audience that “with good police work and a little bit of luck, we were able to stop 16 planned terrorist attacks since 9/11/01." I think that I was not alone in the audience in thinking, “oh my, was it that many?” It reminds us that we only learn about a small percentage of the operations of the police department.

Mrs. Fitzpatrick’s Third Grade class has a special message to the children of Newtown: “Heroes don’t look like they used to. They look like you do.” The children starred in a video produced by their teacher and featuring the song, “Nothing More” by the Bridgeport, CT band, “The Alternate Routes.” As the children enjoy school in their classroom, they illustrate the theme of the song.