LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Police Officer Anthony V. Digiovanna
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition and his
ceaseless dedication to the safety of the residents of the Bronx

WHEREAS, A great State is only as great as those individuals who perform
exemplary service on behalf of their community, whether through unique
achievement in professional or other endeavors, or simply through a
lifetime of good citizenship; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor Police
Officer Anthony V. Digiovanna for his exemplary service to his community
of the Bronx and the State of New York; and in recognition of his dedi-
cation to the safety of Bronx residents and its visitors by enforcing
the law, protecting property and reducing civil disorder; and
WHEREAS, Police Officer Anthony V. Digiovanna was sworn into the New
York City Police Department on February 28, 1994, and began his career
as a full time officer with the 48th Precinct in the Bronx; during that
time, he familiarized himself with the streets of the Bronx by walking
every block of his Precinct, learning about the community he was repres-
enting and protecting; and
WHEREAS, In 1997, Police Officer Anthony V. Digiovanna, along with his
partner, John Muskus, was assigned to monitor the condition of prostitu-
tion in the West Farms area of the Bronx; together, they made approxi-
mately 400 arrests, bringing such a noted improvement to the quality of
life to the West Farm community, that they were recognized and awarded
plaques of honor; and
WHEREAS, During the years from July of 2000 until September of 2004,
Police Officer Anthony V. Digiovanna was assigned to the Community
Policing Unit; through his faithful work ethic and dedication, he
further bonded with his community, consistently attending community
events while addressing the important concerns of the residents of the
Bronx community; and
WHEREAS, On September 11, 2001, Police Officer Anthony V. Digiovanna
volunteered to be one of the first responders to the World Trade Center
site, spending the first 20 hours of the attack at Ground Zero, and then
spending the next four months participating in recovery efforts; unfor-
tunately, like many others who served at Ground Zero, Police Officer
Digiovanna was diagnosed with respiratory difficulties and a rare form
of cancer in 2002; and
WHEREAS, Police Officer Anthony V. Digiovanna fought for his life,
undergoing aggressive chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, and was
very happy to be able to return to the 48th Precinct of the Bronx and
continue to serve the people of his city; and
WHEREAS, His superiors recognized Officer Digiovanna's strong bond
with the community and realized he would be a natural for the position
of Community Affairs Officer; and
WHEREAS, Subsequently, Police Officer Anthony V. Digiovanna was
assigned to the esteemed position of Community Affairs Officer for the
48th Precinct in September 2004; and
WHEREAS, Police Officer Anthony V. Digiovanna referred to the Bronx
community and its leaders as his "second family"; it was fitting that
whenever his community needed help, he was there to assist them; whether
on or off duty, he could be reached any time, responding promptly and
efficiently and ready to execute the duties of his position; and
WHEREAS, Police Officer Anthony V. Digiovanna was seen as a liaison
and communicator between the Police Department and the people of the
Bronx; he was and will continue to be honored with awards, special

recognition and citations for his hard work and dedication to the Bronx;
and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Police Officer Anthony V. Digiovanna upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition and his ceaseless dedication to the
safety of the residents of the Bronx; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Police Officer Anthony V. Digiovanna.