Chief Frank Vega, the newly appointed Staten Island NYPD Borough Commander together with Captain Bruce Ceparano, Commanding Officer of Pct. 121 graciously opened Pct. 121 to this important community event. “Since my recent arrival in Staten Island as the Borough Commander, I have had the pleasure of meeting the Island’s elected officials, community leaders and clergy. What I have experienced with these wonderful people is their hand on approach to working to build Staten Island into a wonderful all-inclusive caring community. I am impressed with community organizations such as COJO whose reputation proceeds them as being a caring group of selfless people whose only goal is to help others in need. However, after working closely with Mendy Mirocznik, Scott Maurer, Ari Weiss, and others I can only say that seeing is believing. I must comment that most of their good work goes unnoticed and does not catch much attention and that it is truly the building blocks and foundation of friendship on Staten Island. I am happy to work with such community organizations and help them as partners in anyway we can to truly make Staten Island a special place for all people.”

Mendy Mirocznik, President of COJO, thanked Scott Maurer, the venerable CEO and Executive Vice-President of COJO for once again working with Ari Weiss, COJO Security Chairman and Coordinator Staten Island Shomrim for bringing together the diverse communities calling Staten Island home to work on easing the burden and bringing optimism back into the equation. We know we are inching closer to the light at the end of the tunnel, but to get there we must help as many people see that with a bit more patience, love and perseverance we will safely arrive at that end in good health. Thank you, Scott Maurer and Ari Weiss, for being the one whose inspiration is contagious and for being the enabler for keeping hope alive and strong throughout this difficult journey. You gentlemen truly are the champion of optimism and the one who never will throw up your hands and surrender. You truly are positive mavericks that finds the good in the darkest of times. Thanks to that spirit, COJO is able once again in partnership with the NYPD in making this food giveaway a reality.”

Mirocznik, made special mention of Susan Haber and Sarah Spiler from COJO for lending their hands and giving of their time and for devoting themselves to COJO as we come together in collaboration with the NYPD in making this world a better place for all people.

Mirocznik added, in the short few weeks we have gotten to know Chief Frank Vega we truly can say that Staten Island is fortunate to have a caring, community orientated and compassionate friend as the Borough’s new Police Commander. Chief Vega along with Captain Ceperano truly understand that it is through effective communication that trust and community confidence is established. We are fortunate that Chief Vega values community outreach and collaborative efforts and has in just a few weeks expanded on these important ventures. I am confident and know deep down that history will reflect on Chief Vega’s accomplishments and  testify to the great accomplishments he will achieve for Staten Island. The best is yet to come.”

Mirocznik, concluded by thanking Assemblyman Michael Cusick for advocating and helping to make this final holiday season food giveaway a reality. But what is most remarkable, is that Michael takes the time to help assemble and distribute the food packages by leading by example. Michael demonstrates that there is no small job when it comes to helping your fellow friend, neighbor or Islander. Just roll up your sleeve and make certain no matter how big or small it is the job gets done”

Assemblyman Cusick remarked, “I am proud of COJO and I will continue to support and advocate in any way I can to make certain that these wonderful community organizations are in the best position they can be in succeeding in their sacred mission of bringing joy and happiness to those who have fallen on hard times. I have to commend Mendy Mirocznik, Scott Maurer and Ari Weiss, for a job well done. I look forward to a tomorrow full of blessings, joy and optimism.