Schwarzman Animal Medical Center Hosted its Annual Top Dog Gala, Honoring NYPD Canine Teams and the Legacy of Fallen Officers
Schwarzman Animal Medical Center Hosted its Annual Top Dog Gala, Honoring NYPD Canine Teams and the Legacy of Fallen Officers
The Stephen & Christine Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) celebrated its long-standing partnership with the NYPD by honoring four furry members of New York City’s (four-legged) Finest
New York, NY – December 17, 2024 – The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC), the world’s largest veterinary teaching hospital and NYC’s only Level 1 Trauma Center, hosted its annual Top Dog Gala on Tuesday, December 10th at Cipriani 42nd Street. This year’s benefit honored four members of the NYPD K9 Emergency Services Unit, their handlers, and the fallen officers whose names the dogs carry in tribute. The night’s honorees have patrolled NYC 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.
The event, co-chaired by Nancy Kissinger, Elaine Langone, Marianne Mebane, and Annette de la Renta, supports AMC’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 Stephen and Christine Schwarzman, Bernadette Peters, Elaine and Kenneth Langone, Ann and Andrew Tisch, Eva and John Usdan, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Former NJ Governor Thomas Kean, Lisa Schiff, Donna Acquavella, Emilia Saint-Amand Krimendahl, Tina Pendergrast Santi Flaherty, Carolina Herrera, Former NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism John Miller, model Taylor Hill, and so many others.
“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,” said Helen Irving, RN, MBA, President & Chief Executive Officer of AMC. “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.”
“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,” said Nicole Seligman, Co-Chair, Board of Trustees of AMC. “We thank these dedicated public servants, and the entire NYPD, for protecting and serving all New Yorkers.”
The four honorees are:
- 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.
AMC is currently undergoing a transformational center-wide expansion, made possible by a $125 million capital campaign currently in its final stages. This will significantly enhance the clinical team’s ability to continue to deliver quality patient care, explore new avenues of scientific discovery, and foster optimal learning environments for residents and interns. In January 2024, AMC debuted the Denise and Michael Kellen Institute for Surgical Care, which is a pivotal part of the 83,000 square-foot hospital renovation and expansion. In early 2025, AMC will see the opening of the expanded Intensive Care Unit and Medical-Surgical Unit, and new conference and education center.
Download Photos and B-Roll Video in the Top Dog 2024 Press Package
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About the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center Hospital of New York City
We are the world’s largest veterinary teaching hospital with NYC’s only level 1 trauma center. Our team of 140+ veterinarians work across over 20 specialties to provide world-class medical care, and we are here for pets and their families 24/7. We are proud to have served the people and pets of New York, and beyond, for over 110 years. More at: www.amcny.org. Follow on Instagram @amcny, on X @amcny, Facebook at The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, LinkedIn, and YouTube @TheAnimalMedicalCenter.
AMC Media Contacts:
Shin-Jung Hong, ShinJung@nicholaslence.com | Cell: 617-413-7880
Pia Fischetti, Pia@nicholaslence.com | Cell: 516-287-5815