New York Yankees Law Enforcement Appreciation Night Honors Officer of the Month Recipient

Investigator John Vescio receiving his award.

Investigator John Vescio of the New York State Police and recipient of our August 2014 Officer of the Month Award was honored for his heroic actions at a special ceremony held during the New York Yankees third Law Enforcement Appreciation Night, which took place on Friday, September 5, at Yankee Stadium. Investigator Vescio was presented with his Officer of the Month Award certificate and was recognized for his service. Unfortunately the Yankees lost to the Kansas City Royals 1-0, but it was still a great evening to watch baseball.

On June 3rd, 2014, Investigator Vescio pulled an unconscious man out of a burning car and dragged him to safety. The man had suffered a diabetic event and passed out, causing him to crash into a gas pump, which as a result caught on fire. Investigator Vescio was off-duty and was filling up his department vehicle at the pump when the incident occurred. His quick police instincts helped him save a life and thus earned the Officer of the Month Award. The whole event was captured on camera. View it here.

Guests of the event

At last Friday’s event, Investigator Vescio and his family were joined by several distinguished members of the Law Enforcement Community and Investigator Vescio’s command staff. Guests included Memorial Fund Chairman & CEO Craig Floyd, Memorial Fund Chief Development Officer Ray Hord, Memorial Fund Director of Development and Law Enforcement Relations John Shanks, the NYC Police Benevolent Association’s John Flynn, and Police Unity Tour Executive Director Harry Phillips.

Tino Martinez, Investigator Vescio, and family

In addition to the guest of honor, Yankees legend Tino Martinez joined the celebration of Investigator Vescio’s award. Martinez helped the Yankees win four World Series between 1996 and 2001, playing at first base.

“It’s always a pleasure to work with the Yankees to hold this wonderful event,” said Craig Floyd, CEO and Chairman of the NLEOMF. “The combination of honoring Law Enforcement and baseball is a proven way to raise awareness and funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Thank you to the Yankees for welcoming us back at Yankee Stadium.”

John Shanks, Craig Floyd, Tino Martinez,
Investigator Vescio, and Harry Phillips

A special Thanks to the New York State Police Department and the New York City Police Benevolent Association for supporting the event, along with New York Yankees Group Sales Manager Joshua Rose, and NLEOMF Director of Development and Law Enforcement Relations John Shanks for organizing the event.