NYPD Officers Honored for Heroism at PBA's 'Finest of the Finest' Awards

Dozens of New York City Police Department officers were honored for their bravery at the Police Benevolent Association's annual "Finest of the Finest" Awards ceremony held at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach, Queens.

PBA President Patrick Hendry lauded the officers for their courage in the face of extreme danger, stating, "We know there are people out there who think they can do our job better... But none of them ever had to face an individual who pulled out a gun, pointed at them, and started firing."

Among those recognized was Officer Grant Pulgarin, who received an award for tackling a suspect accused of hurling an improvised explosive device into a crowd outside Gracie Mansion on March 17. According to PBA Treasurer Joe Strong, Pulgarin “ran toward the danger and stopped the terrorist with a perfectly executed tackle” as the suspect attempted an ISIS-inspired attack. Pulgarin, unable to comment on the active investigation, held the suspect until backup arrived.

Officers Seoungjae Chung, Donglun Liu, Antonio Andreani, and Lt. Michael Simmonds of Brooklyn’s 62nd Precinct were honored for their actions on April 6, 2025. They responded to a home where a man, identified as Lun Chang Chen, had allegedly stabbed four children. The officers broke down the door amid screams, and when the suspect charged them, they were forced to shoot him, ending the attack. The children, aged 8 to 16, all survived their injuries.

The NYPD Harbor Unit’s Officers Christopher Kessinger, Steven Westgate, and Sgt. Jose Figueroa were recognized for their rescue efforts after a Mexican Navy vessel struck the Brooklyn Bridge in May 2025, resulting in two crew fatalities. Strong noted that the officers’ “expert efforts” led to the evacuation of 19 victims under difficult and dangerous conditions.

Officer Joseph Wetzel, despite being off-duty and undergoing cancer treatments, was honored with the PBA President’s Award for rescuing two individuals from a car engulfed in flames after a crash in Wantagh, Long Island, on February 4. Wetzel used a tool to break the vehicle's window and freed the driver, while firefighters later extricated the second passenger.

The event celebrated the extraordinary actions of officers who have demonstrated exceptional courage and dedication to public safety.