Simmonds of Brooklyn's 62nd Precinct shot and killed a meat cleaver-wielding, maniac after he stabbed four children in an 84th Street home on April 6, 2025.

The officers broke down the door to save the children, ages 8 to 16, who all miraculously survived their stab wounds, the PBA said.

 Upon arrival, these officers hearing screams from inside the apartment had to kick in the door to gain access,  PBA Recording Secretary George Winkler told the crowd of about 150.  Once inside, the perp charged the officers, who were forced to shoot and wound the suspect to put an end to the carnage. 

8 A suspect identified by police as Lun Chang Chen reportedly slashed several family members with a butcher knife before he was shot by responding NYPD officers. Obtained by the NY Post

The PBA also honored the NYPD Harbor Unit's officers Christopher Kessinger, Steven Westgate and Sgt. Jose Figueroa, who rescued sailors from a Mexican Navy vessel that struck the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge in May 2025, leaving two crew members dead.

 If it weren't for the expert efforts of these police officers, the toll would have been much higher,  Strong said.  These officers under very difficult and dangerous conditions, evacuated 19 victims, carrying them to safety and getting them the medical attention they needed. 

Police Officer Joseph Wetzel was honored for springing into action and saving a driver and passenger after a fiery crash in Wantagh, Long Island, on Feb. 4, despite being off-duty and on long-term medical leave as he underwent radiation treatments for cancer, he told The Post.

8 Officer Joseph Wetzel received the PBA President's Award for saving two people from a burning car while off duty in Long Island. No Credit for this sex worker set, J.C. Rice for NY Post

8 Dozens of police officers received heroism awards at the PBA annual Finest of the Finest luncheon on Thursday.

 I had breakfast with my father and as we were walking to the car, I heard a loud crash in the major intersection across the street and I turned and saw that there was a car flipped over,  said the 29-year-old, who received the PBA President's Award.

He immediately ran across the street and noticed that the vehicle's engine was in flames. A witness told him there were two people trapped inside the vehicle, he said.

 I always carry a knife that has an emergency tool that can break windows and cut seat belts and what not,  he said.  So I moved everyone away from the front window and I started smacking the window with the instrument and finally was able to break it and I cleared the glass with my bare hands. 

8 From left, officers Antonio Andreani, Michael Simmonds, PBA President Patrick Hendry, Douglas Liu and Seoungjae Chung pose with their awards at the PBA's annual Finest of the Finest luncheon in Queens. J.C. Rice for NY Post

At the same time, witnesses were throwing ice at the fire and calling 911, he said. Someone else retrieved a fire extinguisher from a nearby gas station and put the flames out while he got the vehicle's driver out.

 I crawled into the car and I assessed the welfare of the second person that was trapped and determined it would be safer to wait for the fire department,  which used the Jaws of Life, he said.

8 Two people were killed when a Mexican Navy ship crashed into the base of the Brooklyn Bridge on May 17, 2025. Paul Martinka

Both people inside the car were taken to the hospital and survived, he said.

 Hurry up,  he said when asked what he was thinking at the time of the incident.  At that moment, it's all or nothing. Just get in there, break the window, clear the glass, get the people out.