Annual NYC Top Dog Gala Honors NYPD K9 Unit Members, Handlers

NEW YORK CITY — A New York City animal medical center hosted its annual Top Dog Gala earlier this month honoring four members of the NYPD K9 Emergency Services Unit, their handlers, and the fallen officers whose names the dogs carry in tribute.

The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center hosted its yearly benefit at Cipriani 42nd Street and highlighted honorees who have patrolled city 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, officials said.

The event supports the center'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 NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

“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,” Helen Irving, RN, MBA, President & Chief Executive Officer of AMC, told Patch. “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.”

The four honorees this year were:

· 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.

“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,” Nicole Seligman, Co-Chair, Board of Trustees of AMC, told Patch.

“We thank these dedicated public servants, and the entire NYPD, for protecting and serving all New Yorkers.”