Meet Richard Fernandez: Winner of 2019 New York Hero Award!

Nyack, N.Y. (July 23, 2019) – Join Worldwide Community First Responder, Inc. on Saturday, October 5th, 2019 for their Eighth Anniversary and Fundraising Gala. The gala will bring together like-minded individuals and businesses who share the same belief that education and training can help save lives, while celebrating the organization's accomplishments and honoring their lifesaving partners. The event, from 6-10 pm, will be held on Saturday, October 5th, 2019 at The Time Nyack, a hip, and upscale 133-room boutique lifestyle hotel, where those coming to Nyack, NY can stay in comfort. Attendees can expect a cocktail hour, live entertainment, and fine dining from BV's Grill.

Worldwide Community First Responder, Inc. proudly announces Richard Fernandez as the winner of WCFR 2019 New York Hero Award.

Richard Fernandez has an extensive history of commitment and willingness to work to improve his community. He knows that it is impossible to solve every problem, but it is possible to offer some relief to those that are struggling. He was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (a progressive disease) 26 years ago, but M.S. has never stopped him from volunteering for his community, and he inspires almost everyone he meets.

Rich worked twenty-four years with the NYPD before he retired in 2013. He worked as a Sergeant assigned to the 33rd precinct for nineteen of those twenty-four years. While working at the 33rd precinct, Rich received a Sergeant Special Assignment designation. He was also the sole recipient of the 1998 “Theodore Roosevelt Association Police Award” bestowed on a uniformed member of the service, who like Theodore Roosevelt had overcome severe physical challenges to continue commendable service. During his years of service, Rich received numerous perfect attendance awards, stellar evaluations, and other recognition in spite of his health challenges. Throughout the years, M.S. has temporarily blinded Rich, given him permanent mobility issues and impaired his cognitive function; however; Rich has never used his MS as an excuse not to serve his community.

Rich currently serves as the Vice-president of the North Rockland Board of Education and is the leader of the National Multiple Sclerosis Support Group in New City. Rich is a member of the Rockland Road Runners 5- mile Turkey Trot Race Committee, Rockland’s Largest Charitable race, coordinating volunteers and obtaining financial sponsors. Rich is also a member of the North Rockland Community Day Race Committee, the Rockland County Police Hispanic Society and is currently serving as a board member for Bridges of Rockland. He has previously served in many other organizations, church, committees, and boards with the same passion and positivity he currently brings to every organization he involves himself in.

Rich has been married to his wife Sophia for 23 years and has an adult son Anthony who attends Ramapo College. Rich has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree (graduating Cum Lade) from NY Institute of Technology, and two Associates degrees from Rockland Community College. Rich has also been the recipient of numerous recognition and awards and is a member of several fraternal organizations.

Click here for more information on Richard Fernandez.

Worldwide Community First Responder, Inc. was founded in September 2011 with a mission "to prevent deaths worldwide through education and training". Their programs have proven to empower individuals in their own community and save lives. WCFR has educated and trained over 300,000 people worldwide. All funds raised at the gala will support their programs that save lives.
Individual tickets are $125 for members and $150 non-members, with memberships and sponsorships also available. To learn more and reserve your seat today, please visit:

wcfrworldwide.org/gala

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact WCFR at info@wcfrworldwide.org or 845.608.7409. Please RSVP by September 21, 2018.

About Worldwide Community First Responder

Worldwide Community First Responder (WCFR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit/charitable organization with a mission "to prevent deaths worldwide through education and training". WCFR offers two main services: WCFR Health Education and WCFR Training Program. The WCFR Health Education focuses on educating community members worldwide about fatal health conditions and preventative measures. The WCFR Training Program is dedicated to providing worldwide community-based first response and first aid training. WCFR provides its services worldwide to all communities regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, ability, economic and social class. For information on how you can get involved, visit www.wcfrworldwide.org Mailing Address is P.O. Box 747 Nanuet, NY 10954. They can be reached at 845.608.7409 or info@wcfrworldwide.org . Follow WCFR on Facebook and Twitter (@WCFRworldwide) for the latest news and updates.