News Flash Home
The original item was published from 9/13/2019 11:02:11 AM to 9/16/2019 11:48:27 AM.

News Flash

Home Page News and Announcements

Posted on: September 13, 2019

[ARCHIVED] Heros for Our Heroes

Heros 4 Heroes

Town Leaders Assist Panico’s Market with Delivery of 600 Heros to First
Responders and Law Enforcement Throughout New York

Thursday Morning, Smithtown officials were asked to assist in handing out over 600 hero sandwiches at Panico’s Market in Nesconset.  The annual Heros for Our Heroes initiative is led by Donato Panico and his team each year as a way of saying Thank You to the people who risk their lives every day to keep us safe. This year, Panico’s Market prepared over 600 three foot long heros to distribute to Police and Fire Departments serving Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, and New York City. Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo, Councilman Tom Lohmann, Superintendent of Highways Robert Murphy and Town Clerk Vincent Puleo devoted their mornings to assisting Panico’s Market in this effort.    

“I was humbled when Donato asked us to help him, as I hold a very personal and dear place in my heart for all those first responders who worked tirelessly at Ground Zero to help families like mine have some closure. I applaud the tireless devotion of his team that goes into this operation every year. It’s my honor to help Heros 4 Our Heroes today and I look forward to doing it again in November and December with my daughters.” - Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo 

This year’s operation begins months prior, planning and coordinating with PBA representatives and various volunteer fire departments across Suffolk and Nassau Counties, Queens, and New York City. The Heros 4 Our Heroes team of volunteers devoted the week prior to ordering produce and spent three days and nights without sleep, building and packaging more than 600 three foot long heros. Cases of Iced Tea were loaded up to go with each order.  

“Witnessing all of the Police Department officials pull up and load over fifty giant heros in their pickups… I can personally relate to the appreciation and gratitude on their faces. It’s great medicine for the soul. As a former NYPD Detective and as one of the thousands who spent months at Ground Zero, I can not thank Donato and his amazing team of Volunteers enough for devoting their time to caring for our law enforcement and first responders. I’m honored to be here” - Councilman Tom Lohmann

About Heros 4 Our Heroes:

The Heros 4 Our Heroes non profit organization began when Donato Panico, owner of Panico’s Community Market decided he had to do something in the wake of the 9/11 Terrorist attacks.  On Sept. 12, 2001, Donato loaded up a food truck and drove to Ground Zero, where he proceeded to give out meals to search and rescue workers. He cooked from the mobile catering truck for ten days at the World Trade Center site. Today, he continues to show his appreciation for those first responders and those that have served our country through his annual Heros 4 Our Heroes initiative, and the annual Thanksgiving and Holiday Turkey drive, which is held at the Northport VA.   

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in Home Page News and Announcements

Santiago Smalls

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: May 31, 2023
Linx

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: May 24, 2023
Praline

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: May 17, 2023
Samson

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: May 10, 2023
Blaze

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: May 3, 2023
Ratatouille

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: April 25, 2023
COVER 2023(png)

2023 Smithtown Recreation Guide

Posted on: April 24, 2023
Cherry Blossom

Celebrating Arbor Day 2023

Posted on: April 20, 2023
Stream Cleaning

Nissequogue River Stream Cleaning

Posted on: April 18, 2023
Yodel

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: April 17, 2023
Mr. Ed

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: April 11, 2023
Chevy

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: April 4, 2023
Hannibal

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: March 29, 2023
Chrissy and Janet

Smithtown Pets of the Week

Posted on: March 21, 2023
Senior Tax Break

Senior Tax Break

Posted on: March 13, 2023
Susie Q

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: March 13, 2023
Abby

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: March 7, 2023
Sweet Tea

Smithtown Pet of the Week

Posted on: March 1, 2023
Residential Repair

Home Repair Services for Senior Citizens

Posted on: February 22, 2023
Summer Jobs 2023

Seasonal Job Opportunities for 2023

Posted on: January 17, 2023
LandingPoolDrone

Smithtown Landing Country Club Catering

Posted on: October 28, 2022
811 Call Before You Dig Photo

National Safe Digging Day

Posted on: August 11, 2022