AAU Urban Initiative Helps Honor Fallen Heroes with Annual NYPD vs FDNY Volleyball Match

02/13/2023


Proceeds from the match will be donated to the FDNY Widows' and Children's Fund and the NYC Police Benevolent Association

QUEENS, N.Y. (February 13, 2023) -- The AAU Urban Initiative was proud to help host the New York City Police Department (NYPD) versus New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Annual Volleyball Match.



The annual event honors fallen heroes and raises funds for the FDNY Widows' and Children's Fund and the New York City Police Benevolent Association (PBA).

This year's event honored six heroes lost in the line of duty in 2022: Det. Wilbert Mora, Det. Jason Rivera, FF. Jesse Gerhard, FF. Timothy Klein, FF. William Moon, and Lt. Alison Russo.

AAU NY Metropolitan Volleyball Chair Gerry Matacotta helped organize the day's events on behalf of the AAU Urban Initiative, which included a ceremony before the game.

The AAU Urban Initiative was created in 2015 to provide participation opportunities in urban environments that were historically underserved. The initiative partners the AAU with local government, law enforcement, faith-based groups, educational institutions and other groups to bring communities together through sports in service to America’s youth. Earlier this month, AAU solidified a partnership with NYPD. Read more about that here.  


Congratulations to the NYPD team on their victory, and thank you to everyone who participated and contributed.



To see more photos and videos from the event, visit NYPD Volleyball's Facebook and Instagram pages.