Big Thanks to the NYPD
This past Saturday night, thousands of NYPD officers gathered at Madison Square Garden for a spectacular free concert, marking the beginning of a new annual tradition aimed at boosting their morale.
Under the leadership of MSG Entertainment’s CEO, James Dolan, the “Thank You, NYPD” concert saw over 15,000 police officers, military members, and their families come together for an evening filled with humor and music from various performers, including comedians and Grammy winners.
Officer Andy Guo from the 60th Precinct expressed his excitement before the event, particularly looking forward to Cyndi Lauper’s performance. He mentioned how important the event was for acknowledging the hard work of his colleagues.
The concert succeeded in raising a substantial $500,000 for the New York City Police Foundation. The funds were matched by donations from local businesses and leaders, reinforcing community support for the city’s police force.
In addition to Lauper, John Fogerty and rapper Fat Joe also performed, while comedians Chris DiStefano and Sam Morrill entertained the enthusiastic crowd.
Officer Christopher De Sciorra, who also works in the 60th Precinct, shared his appreciation for MSG’s role in organizing the concert and took a moment to express pride in his fellow officers.
Numerous public figures, including Tracy Morgan, Rosie Perez, and former Knicks player Stephon Marbury, took the stage to show their gratitude towards the NYPD as well.
Messages of appreciation from members of the public were showcased throughout the event, featuring clips from well-known personalities like Jerry Seinfeld and Darryl Strawberry. Attendees were encouraged to personally thank police officers or send in videos to be shared at the concert.
Dolan, who covered all production costs and provided the venue at no charge, commented on the need for such an event to uplift the officers amid an often critical narrative surrounding them.
“In a world filled with negativity, this is a chance for New York to spread some positivity,” Dolan noted.
He emphasized the importance of the NYPD in the city, saying that while administrations may change, the police force remains a constant presence and deserves recognition.
Looking ahead, MSG Networks announced that this concert would become an annual celebration for military personnel, as the NYPD comprises around 33,000 officers and 15,000 civilians. Plans are also underway to continue promoting goodwill throughout the year.
Madison Square Garden has a rich history of hosting significant civic events, notable examples being the “Concert for New York City” following the 9/11 attacks and the “December ’12: Concert for Sandy Relief” post-Superstorm Sandy.
