Italian Community Honours

Chief Administrative Officer Tony Veneziano was recognized with an Italian Federation of Allied Combatants (FIDCA) medal at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Remembrance Day mass on November 15.

The medal is awarded to individuals who promote spiritual and cultural awareness and participate in national and international events that embrace veterans.

“I am very proud to be part of this ceremony and humbly accept this medal,” said Veneziano, who joined the Service a decade ago. “I also share it with Chief Mark Saunders and all the men and women of the Toronto Police Service who work hard each and every day to keep our wonderful city, Toronto, one of the safest cities in the world.

“The Italian community has done a lot for the City of Toronto, helping to build homes and buildings in which we work and live. It has also brought us food, culture and various traditions that all Torontonians can and do enjoy.”

Veneziano said the Italian community is also reflected in the Service.

“Many of our current and previous members are of Italian descent,” he said. “I am proud to be part of this distinguished group.”

Raniero D’Amuri, the vice consul in the Italian consulate in Toronto, pinned the medal on Veneziano in the presence of Canadian Italian Family Assistance Association executive director Giuseppe Simonetta, retired Service Inspector Ed Roseto and current uniformed members.