First responders and community figures honored by Knights of Columbus

Deceased police also honored at ceremony

Posted Friday, May 1, 2026 3:02 am

From Left: Grand Knight Vincent Bonfonti, Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Ex-Chief John V. Obanheim, Joan Hylan, Knights of Columbus Chairman Larry Lombardo, Detective Michael J. Herbert, Fr. Jim Stachacz, Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary President Alyssa Demarco-Buffolino

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Malverne Mayor Tim Sullivan delivering remarks. Trustee Megan O’Rourke-Schutta also pictured.

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Ceremony attendees standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

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From left: Ex-Chief John V. Obanheim, Joan Hylan, Detective Michael J. Herbert, Fr. Jim Stachacz

Tim Baker/LI Herald

From left: Grand Knight Vincent Bonfonti, Knights of Columbus Chairman Larry Lombardo, Detective Michael J. Herbert, Fr. Jim Stachacz, Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary President Alyssa Demarco-Buffolino

Tim Baker/LI Herald

Knights of Columbus Chairman Larry Lombardo speaking at the ceremony.

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Woman of the year winner Joan “Nana” Hylan.

Tim Baker/LI Herald

Noah Peretz

Sunday, April 26 was this year’s Knights of Columbus Annual Communion Breakfast and Mass. The ceremony was dedicated to the memory of police officers George Caccavale and Edward Byrne, killed in 1976 and 1988, respectively. The Mass was held at Our Lady of Lourdes, and the breakfast was at St. Mary’s/Maris Stella Council.

The Man of the Year was Father Jim Stachaz of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Woman of the Year was Joan “Nana” Hyland, the Law Enforcement Award went to Detective Michael J. Herbert, the Fire Department Award went to Ex-Chief John V. Obanheim, and the keynote speaker was former NYPD chief Robert K. Boyce.

Knights of Columbus Chairman Larry Lombardo takes pride in commemorating those who have passed in the line of duty. “When someone dies, it doesn't stop there. The family has to pick up the pieces. And we just want to show them we're still there,” he said.

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