PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:

January 3, 2005

Contact: William J. Smith (718) 556-7150

New York State Shields to Honor D.A. Donovan as 2004
“Person of the Year”
***Fraternal Police Organization Honors S.I.’s District Attorney for Service to Law Enforcement***

STATEN ISLAND, NY – At a dinner to be held Tuesday evening, Staten Island District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. will be honored as 2004’s “Person of the Year” by the New York State Shields, Inc. at a dinner held at the Eastwood Manor in The Bronx. The New York State Shields, Inc. is a non-profit organization, comprised of law enforcement officers active and retired from all ranks throughout the New York State area.

“I am truly grateful to have been selected by the Executive Board for this honor,” stated District Attorney Donovan. “As District Attorney, and throughout my career in public service, I have recognized the incredible sacrifices that members of law enforcement and their families selflessly make.”

“District Attorney Donovan is as strong a friend of law enforcement as we could possibly ask for,” stated Victoria D’Angelo, President of the New York State Shields, Inc. “Our membership has recognized Dan Donovan as a man of heart and compassion in the sensitivity he showed to the families of murdered Detectives Nemorin and Andrews. He has also been unafraid to take the strong stand of refusing to plea bargain the cases of those who assault police officers and other public servants in the line of duty.”

Founded in 1990, the New York State Shields, Inc. has become one of the most visible and widely respected fraternal organizations throughout New York State, with the goal of assisting the parents and families of those men and women who have made the “Ultimate Sacrifice” in the line of duty. Throughout the year the group also honors those members of the service who have distinguished themselves with selfless acts of bravery and heroism, as well as those who aid and support the law enforcement community. For more information on the services that the organization provides, please refer to www.nyshields.com.

District Attorney Donovan, sworn-in to office on January 1, 2004, is a native Staten Islander with over 20 years of public service. Prior to his election, he served as Staten Island’s Deputy Borough President and Chief of Staff to then-Borough President Guy V. Molinari. A graduate of St. John’s University and Fordham University School of Law, Donovan served eight years in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.

Also being honored at the event will be NYPD Chief of Patrol Nicholas Estavillo and PAPD Chief of Department Christopher Trucillo; sharing the designation as 2004 “Boss of the Year.”