Municipal CU Sponsors First Responders Night to Honor Everyday Heroes
February 26, 2019
It was a great night of fun, basketball and honoring our everyday heroes. Municipal Credit Union proudly joined St. John’s University as the official sponsor of First Responders Night during the Red Storm men’s basketball game held at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, February 23, 2019.
“We are very proud to be part of a great evening that allows us to continue Municipal Credit Union’s long-standing tradition of celebrating and serving first responders,” said MCU President & CEO Mark Ricca. “These individuals are the backbone of our city. They help our neighbors in some of their greatest times of need and are real-life heroes in the face of a crisis. We’d like to thank all of these outstanding individuals for the work they do each day.”
As part of the evening’s events, MCU honored brothers NYPD Officer Yan Poon and FDNY EMT Yan Hao Poon as Most Valuable New Yorkers in an on-court ceremony. The brothers were recognized for their actions taken to help a woman in labor when they both responded to the same 911 call in Times Square. Together, they helped to deliver a healthy baby boy.
“Officer Yan Poon and EMT Yan Hao Poon truly embody what it means to be Most Valuable New Yorkers,” said MCU Vice President of Business Development & Member Relations Corey Fernandes, who joined in presenting the brothers with their recognitions. “These individuals not only used their training and teamwork to turn an emergency situation into a happy story, they also embody the true spirit of our city workers and emergency responders. Both brothers have committed their lives and careers to helping others. That commitment is a truly special thing.”
This is the fourth year for MCU’s Most Valuable New Yorker program, which was created to recognize the hardworking men and women of New York City who selflessly go above and beyond to make New York a better place to work and live. Municipal Credit Union is proud to celebrate these individuals for their dedication to serving their communities and their inspirational stories that motivate each of us to make New York City amazing.
In addition to the Most Valuable New Yorker Presentation, first responders took the court with a half-time NYPD Finest vs. FDNY Bravest basketball matchup. The teams, which compete each year in the annual New York Heroes charity basketball game, took to the court at half time to the sounds of cheering fans.
As of 2018, there are more than 50,000 first responders serving New York City, including 38,422 NYPD officers, 11,051 FDNY Firefighters and 4,414 united EMTs, paramedics and fire inspectors. We are, and continue to be, proud to be their credit union.