Players went head to head during a memorial basketball tournament in Brooklyn Saturday, held in memory of a fallen FDNY captain, and in support of local anti-gun violence initiatives.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
A three-on-three basketball tournament in Brooklyn honored the life and legacy of an FDNY captain killed on 9/11.
The game, held on July 15 at M.S. 267 in Bedford-Stuyvesant, paid tribute to FDNY Captain Vernon A. Richard. Richard was the captain of Kips Bay’s Ladder Company 7 when he died responding to the terror attacks on the World Trade Center. He was 53 years old.
During his career with the Department, Richard received two citations for bravery after helping rescue occupants during two fires — one working for Ladder Company 17 in 1984 and another working for Ladder Company 7 in 2000.
Saturday’s tournament was also held in support of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church’s anti-gun violence program, working to curb shootings in New York City.
At the event, Rev. Dr. V. Simpson Turner Jr. said the group is committed to “keeping the peace.”
Addressing those who may enter into gun violence, the reverend said, “Think about your decision, close your eyes and recognize good thoughts. There is nothing more important than life. Both families lose.”
Turner Jr. went on to call for stricter gun control across the Big Apple.
“Gun violence is killing our youth,” he said. “We need strict gun control. We need men talking to the younger generation about the consequences of gun violence.”
Reported shootings continue to trend downward across the city, according to Police Department data. As of July 9, when the most recent data is available, shooting in Brooklyn’s Borough North Patrol (where M.S. 267 is located), shootings are down approximately 26% year to date. Citywide, shootings are also down around 25% compared to last year.
City agencies like the Department of Education and Department of Sanitation supported Saturday’s basketball game.
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