16 The QUEE NS Courier • APRIL 24, 2014 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Cops lose their locks to help out stricken officer BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO [email protected] @aaltamirano28 NYPD Lt. Patrick Welsh did not have to think twice when deciding to shed his long curls to help out his fellow officer and friend, Sgt. Paul Ferrara. Welsh and five other members of the 110th Precinct, including the commanding officer, Deputy Inspector Ronald D. Leyson, volunteered on April 17 to have their hair cut off to raise funds for Ferrara, who was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in January. “It’s all for a great cause, for Paul, for a fellow brother,” said Welsh, who has been growing his hair out since last September. “It wasn’t even a question. Ferrara is one of the most liked men in the precinct.” Ferrara started his career in Brooklyn’s 81st Precinct in 1992 and then was assigned to the 110th Precinct in 2006 after his promotion to sergeant. A 22-year veteran of the NYPD, Ferrara was a 9/11 first responder, helmed a plainclothes anti-crime unit and now serves as a counter-terrorism supervisor. Ferrara’s illness is linked to the air quality at Ground Zero, where he toiled after the 2001 attack, Leyson said. The 110th Precinct started the fundraiser last month to help the 44-year-old Ferrara and his family — he has a wife and a 12-year-old son — with medical expenses. As part of the fundraiser, officers at the precinct, which covers Corona and Elmhurst, came up with the idea to “put a price on the commanding officer’s head” and have the officer with the highest donation cut off the boss’s hair, Leyson said. A group of officers combined their funds to donate $1,500, the highest donation. Police Officer William Bahrenburg had the honor of shearing Leyson’s mane. Leyson then returned the favor, cutting off Bahrenburg’s hair — and mustache. “Like the police department does, we get together to help out one another,” Leyson said. “I’ve been on the job for over 20 years and there’s a lot of things that we complain about, but it is a family. When one of us is in need, that’s one thing this police department always does — step up.” Police Officers Matthew Zimmerman and Thompson Wen and Auxiliary Police Officer Chris Lui also volunteered to have their hair shaved in honor of Ferrara. “It’s just the right thing to do. He’s always been there for me,” Wen said. “Hair grows back.” So far, the precinct has collected a total of $40,000. The 81st Precinct has also contributed to the fundraiser. “It’s the proudest I’ve been because none of this has to be done, but it’s getting done anyway,” Ferrara said. The donations will be presented to Ferrara on Sunday, April 27, during a fundraising event at Lily Flanagan’s Pub in Babylon, Long Island. Anyone interested in donating can mail or drop off a check at the precinct, located at 94-41 43rd Ave. in Elmhurst. Checks should be made out to the 110th Precinct General Fund, with “Sergeant Ferrara Fund” written on the memo line. THE COURIER/Photo by Angy Altamirano Six members of the 110th Precinct, including commanding officer Deputy Inspector Ronald D. Leyson, volunteered to shave their hair in honor of Sergeant Paul Ferrara. Sciatica Pain? NO MORE SURGERY? If you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or its Symptoms: *Most Insurances Accepted. © Pisometacarpal, Pisohamate FREE CONSULTATION With this ad. Expires 3/31//14 North Shore Rehab Associates 55 Northern Blvd. Suite 103 Great Neck, N.Y. 11021 WE NOW HAVE COLD LASER · PAIN · NUMBNESS COLD LASER Do You Have SCIATICA · TINGLING · WEAKNESS · DIFFICULTY HANDLING SMALL OBJECTS · WAKING UP AT NIGHT WITH PAIN You can begin today. Call Now for a “FREE CONSULTATION” to see how our technologies may benefit you. Flexor digitorum profumdos WE NOW HAVE Palmar ligament (Plate) Fibrous digital sheath Palmar ligament (Plate) Or Its Symptoms? Collateral ligament Radial artery Three perforating arteries Articular capsule Tubercle of trapezium Tubercle of scaphiod Flexor digitorum superficialis Deep transverse metacarpal ligament Palmar ligament (Plate) Twig to joint Twig to 4th lumbrical Deep branch ulnar nerve Hook of hamate Ligaments Pisiform Median nerve Ulnar nerve Flex. retin. • Physical Therapy • Chiropractic • Occupational Therapy • Acupuncture • Hydromassage • Cold Laser 516-466-9300 • Low Back, Buttock, Leg Pain • Leg, Low Back Weakness • Burning or Shooting Pains in Legs • Difficulty Walking • Numbness/ Tingling in Lower Back or Legs • Stiffness or Fatigue in Legs • Tender Points on Lower Back or Legs Therapy can begin today. Call Now. *Most Insurances Accepted. FREE CONSULTATION With this ad. Expires 3/30/14 • Physical Therapy • Chiropractic • Occupational Therapy • Acupuncture • Hydromassage • Cold Laser North Shore Rehab Associates 55 Northern Blvd. Suite 103 516-466-9300 Great Neck, N.Y. 11021 With this ad. Expires 5/31/14
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