Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958
The Columbia Association presented the Man of the Year Award to Tony LoBianco, actor, producer and director and also honored retiring firefighter and author John Senino and former FDNY Chaplain Monsignor Guy Vinci. In 1986 Mayor Giuliani was the recipient of Columbia Association's Man of the Year Award.
"Since its founding in 1934, the Columbia Association has been devoted to improving public safety and helping its members uphold the highest professional standards," the Mayor said. "Another activity that has been embraced by the Columbia Association is the scholarship program, which helps the hard working heroes of FDNY pay for their children's education. This program exemplifies the Association's commitment both to the future of our City and to the families of the department. The Association encourages excellence by honoring it."
The Columbia Association was originally created to assist Italian immigrants who were suffering losses from fires in overcrowded New York City tenements. Italian members of the FDNY worked together to teach Italian immigrants fire safety. The Association later established a scholarship program to help members of the FDNY pay for their children's education.
The Mayor also paid tribute to tonight's three honorees:
"Tony LoBianco has enjoyed a long and esteemed career as an actor, director and producer, working in theater and television," said the Mayor. "Tonight we are here to honor his commitment to the causes of the Italian American community. As a native New Yorker, Tony has always given back to his community and his City, both professionally and through humanitarian efforts."
"John Senino, who spent years working for engine 58 in Harlem, earned a reputation as a fearless firefighter and the best cook in the department," the Mayor said. "With the release of his two Firefighter's Cookbooks, he has raised thousands of dollars for the scholarship funds and the burn center."
"Father Vinci is a man who tended to the spiritual needs of the FDNY," added the Mayor. "Over the years, he offered comfort in the face of tragedy, courage in the face of danger, and gave our firefighters faith. Father Vinci spent a career helping heroes do their jobs, and in so doing, he has become a hero in his own right."