20 The Courier sun • april 24, 2014 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com Cops lose their locks to help out stricken officer BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO aaltamirano@queenscourier.com @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 $10,000 in cash donations and $15,000 in T-shirt sales. 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. ALLERGY SEASON IS HERE Do you cry from itchy, tearing, red swollen eyes, stuffy nose, and sore throat? Do you have sinus problems, shortness of breath or asthma? Adult & Pediatric Allergy & Asthma Care Specialist BETTER MEDICAL CARE, PC Warren W. Hsu, M.D. Board Certifi ed Allergist 212-15 Union Turnpike • Bayside 718-217-8600 Mon-Wed-Fri-Sat • 10am-7pm • Nasal Congestion and Infl ammation • Sneezing • Itchy Watery Eyes • Runny or Stuffed Up Nose • Sore Throat • Low Grade Fever Most Insurance Plans Accepted No Diagnostic Co-Pay On Your First Visit Only. With This Coupon Only of the 2013 THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com FREE Parking Ragweed Season Pollen Season TOP BINGO HALL PLAY Everyone Loves BINGO! Must be 18 and Over Ad sponsored by Charities of Top Bingo Hall IT’S FUN! Win Up to $6000! Computerized Bingo Available Free Parking • Free WiFi Every day except Wednesday & Sunday at 11AM Every night Except Monday Night at 7PM Every at 7PM 7 Nights a Week!! 220-34 Jamaica Avenue Bellerose/Queens Village, NY 11428 718.740.2524 • topbingonyc.topbingony.com com For More Information: Contact Barry Kessler, (516) 315-5305
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