Board Celebrates Hispanic American Heritage Month

WHITE PLAINS – The Westchester County Board of Legislators celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month last Monday night with a ceremony recognizing two exemplary honorees: San Andrés Episcopal Food Pantry, a critical community nourishment source for generations of Yonkers residents, along with Chief Louis “Fredo” Sanchez, Ossining’s first Hispanic American fire chief, a lifelong public servant and tireless community leader.

The evening began with the Dominican Cultural Association of Yonkers Dance Group joyfully performing two traditional folkloric dances on the chamber floor, their vibrant blue and red skirts flowing as they moved.

Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D- New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) opened the ceremony by welcoming guests and the Board’s honorees to the celebration. He said, “Our Hispanic community doesn’t just live in Westchester—they are Westchester. From our firehouses to our halls of government, from our small businesses to our houses of worship, Hispanic Americans have shaped and strengthened every corner of County life. Their energy, values, and commitment to family and community enrich us every day.”

Vice Chair José I. Alvarado (D-Yonkers) presented a proclamation to Brother Luis E. Hernandez Rivas, the pastoral leader of San Andrés Episcopal Food Pantry. Alvarado said, “As the Vice Chair of the Board of Legislators and a representative of District 17, I am delighted to honor the San Andrés Episcopal Food Pantry for its service to our community during our Hispanic American Heritage Month celebration. For more than a century, San Andrés has been a vital thread in the fabric of the City of Yonkers. With gratitude, the Board marks this occasion by recognizing them for their dedication and service in providing nourishment to both the body and the spirit.”

Legislator Emiljana Ulaj (D- Cortlandt, Ossining, Croton, Briarcliff, Buchanan), who presented a proclamation to Chief Sanchez, said, “It’s clear that we are fighting for the soul of our country. This is a critical time for us to lift up the contributions of Hispanic Americans. There’s no greater way to resist divisive narratives than to lift up stories that wholly defy them. In Westchester, we celebrate diversity and honor each of our immigrant roots. Chief Sanchez is a local hero. He works for the Village of Ossining professionally and dedicates his free time to the volunteer fire department. Public service is a family affair for Chief Sanchez—his wife and son are also volunteer firefighters. Throughout his decades of volunteerism within the OVFD, Chief Sanchez has held many leadership posts and spent valuable time mentoring new recruits. We are so lucky that Chief Sanchez and his family have made the Village of Ossining and Westchester County their home.”