STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 During an evening of camaraderie, connection, unity and purpose, the Coptic American Law Enforcement Organization (Coptic LEO) recently hosted its annual Gala and Awards Ceremony at the Hilton Garden Inn.<\/p>\n
The event brought together law enforcement leaders, diplomats, clergy, and community members, celebrated service, heritage, and leadership. <\/p>\n
Program<\/p>\n
The program opened with the NYPD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Band, followed by the national anthems of both the United States and Egypt. <\/p>\n
As NYPD officers presented both flags, the Egyptian flag was proudly carried by a NYPD officer of Egyptian descent \u2014 an especially powerful moment that symbolized the organization\u2019s mission of honoring heritage while serving the nation with distinction. <\/p>\n
The evening began with an opening prayer delivered by NYPD Chaplain Rev. George Anastasio, followed by opening remarks from Coptic LEO Founder and President, Lt. Mariana Zakhary, who reflected on the organization\u2019s mission, growth and resilience. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe strength of the Coptic American Law Enforcement Organization, and the success behind our work \u2014 despite the numerous challenges, obstacles and hidden battles \u2014lies in the fact that we are intentional and walk with purpose,\u201d she said. \u201cWe are guided by our simple yet powerful motto: \u201cBe the Light.\u201d <\/p>\n
![\"Gala\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/O5ASQWMH3BF37OZFJSXFRMYBVU.JPG\")
Members of the Coptic American Law Enforcement Organization (Coptic LEO), including NYPD officers and friends, hosted its annual Gala and Awards Ceremony at the Hilton Garden Inn. (Courtesy\/Still frames by Daniel A. Boulos of All Love Productions)Staten Island AdvanceAwards<\/p>\n
Awards were presented to leaders and members who exemplify the highest ideals of law enforcement and the core values of Coptic LEO. <\/p>\n
The Excellence in Leadership Award was presented to Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta, who was unable to attend. His unwavering dedication to the NYPD, public safety and the Transit Bureau was nonetheless recognized with a rousing round of applause.<\/p>\n
The Trailblazer Award was presented to Assistant Chief Melissa Eger, the first female to assume the role of Staten Island Borough Commander, who was celebrated for her historic leadership and commitment to excellence.<\/p>\n
The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Police Officer Kevin Murphy. A Manhattan North Trustee of the NYC Police Benevolent Association, Murphy\u2019s career reflects a lifetime of dedication \u2014 serving both in the U.S. Marine Corps and the NYPD \u2014 while demonstrating strength and resilience through his courageous battle with cancer. <\/p>\n
Sgt. Michael Said, vice president of Coptic LEO, received The Member of the Year Award, in recognition of his commitment to the organization\u2019s mission, exceptional work ethic and leadership within law enforcement.<\/p>\n
The Cop of the Year Award was presented to Police Officer Beshoy Mina for extraordinary acts of bravery and service, including the removal of an illegal firearm and his critical role in saving the lives of two individuals in separate suicidal incidents. <\/p>\n
The Appreciation Award was presented to Auxiliary Police Officer Leonid Barinstein, for his technical expertise and support of Coptic LEO\u2019s mission. <\/p>\n
The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer by Rev. Dr. Mina Shaheid.<\/p>\n
Distinguished guests<\/p>\n
Coptic LEO was deeply honored by the presence of distinguished guests that included Deputy Consul of Egypt Amr Koraiem; Her Excellency Norhalilah Abdul Jalil; Consul General of Malaysia in New York, the first woman to hold this position; and Consul Akhtar. <\/p>\n
Also in attendance were executive leaders from the NYPD and the Department of Corrections; DOC Assistant Commissioner Hossam Georgy; Coptic clergy, including representatives from law enforcement organizations, NYPD fraternal organizations and notable Egyptian community leaders.<\/p>\n
During her speech, Lt. Zakhary paid tribute to the Line of Duty families in attendance, reaffirming that the sacrifices made by their loved ones will never be forgotten \u2014 and that Coptic LEO remains steadfast in honoring the legacy of fallen heroes. <\/p>\n
Entertainment, including an Oud performance by musician Reda El Seidi, a longtime friend of the organization, along with traditional Egyptian tabla music, added a cultural spin to the program. <\/p>\n
History<\/p>\n
Zakhary noted that Coptic Americans carry a unique and profound identity rooted in ancient history and enduring faith. <\/p>\n
Ancient Egyptians established some of the earliest formal legal systems, with courts, judges, written law, and organized guards tasked with protecting cities, trade routes, and civilians \u2014 and those early foundations of order, service and public safety continue to echo in modern policing today, she added.<\/p>\n
The Coptic Christian heritage is defined by faith, resilience, sacrifice and service to others.<\/p>\n
\u201cCoptic LEO is more than an organization \u2014 it is a bridge. A bridge between generations of officers, between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and between heritage and public service. For many members \u2014 whether born in Egypt or first-generation Coptic Americans\u2014entering law enforcement, particularly the NYPD, is an uncommon career path,” she said.<\/p>\n
Dedicated to serving<\/p>\n
The organization remains committed to mentoring, guiding, and inspiring the next generation of officers, while emphasizing ethics, accountability, service, and officer wellbeing. <\/p>\n
The past year marked a period of historic milestones and growth. <\/p>\n
For the first time, Coptic LEO hosted a Coptic Heritage Celebration inside One Police Plaza, where ancient Coptic hymns echoed alongside the American and Egyptian national anthems. <\/p>\n
Coptic LEO also co-hosted the first-ever Egyptian Day celebration in Manhattan in collaboration with a valued community partner organization, sharing Egypt\u2019s rich cuure and history with the city its members proudly serve. <\/p>\n
Internationally, Coptic LEO carried out its first humanitarian mission to Egypt under the guidance of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the 118th Pope of Alexandria. <\/p>\n
During the mission trip, members distributed school bags and supplies to over 1,000 children in underserved communities. <\/p>\n
At home, the organization continued its outreach through community service initiatives, heritage celebrations, an annual scholarship program, a day of joy for children recovering from cancer and serious illnesses, toy giveaways in East New York, and hospital visits to young patients.<\/p>\n
Addressing community members in attendance, Zakhary emphasized the importance of partnership and shared responsibility. \u201cYour presence matters,\u201d she said. \u201cLaw enforcement cannot succeed alone. Together, we can continue to build trust, honor our heritage, and inspire the next generation to see policing not just as a career \u2014 but as a noble calling.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 During an evening of camaraderie, connection, unity and purpose, the Coptic American Law Enforcement…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":139043,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[9,24,63,134,136,135],"class_list":["post-139042","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-staten-island","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-city","tag-nyc","tag-staten-island","tag-staten-island-headlines","tag-staten-island-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/139042","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=139042"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/139042\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/139043"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=139042"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=139042"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=139042"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}