Vallebuona: To Honor Those Who Served at Ground Zero

Pearl River Parade Commander Ernest Vallebuona describes his role in Pearl River’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration in terms of representing others.

“I represent people who have gotten sick and are still suffering from their time at ground zero,”  he said.

He knows all about it from his own experience. Vallebuona is a retired New York City police detective who was a first responder on September 11, 2001. 

“I was one of the first people to get sick following 9/11 and have recovered through the power of modern medicine and a lot of praying," Vallebuona said.  This is such a friendly community.  I am humbled by its kindness and how its people supported my wife when I wasn’t able to.

“I attribute my survival to Dr. Ariella Noy at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the spiritual assistance of Monsignor Weber."

Vallebuono will be one of the leaders of the Pearl River St. Patrick's Day Parade Sunday.

“I moved up to Rockland County eight years ago and was impressed to see such a large event in such a relatively small community," Vallebuona said.  "It shows how unity, spirit and pride of heritage come together along with the hard work of the community and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.  It will be an honor to march at the head of the parade.”

 Vallebuona is taking advantage of the position to spread his message to others who might be suffering from health issues related to their tie at ground zero as he did.

“I realize that sometimes it is scary to look down the road but early detection is the key to success," Vallebuona said. "Get out there and get checked up.  The Mt. Sinai World Trade Center Medical Motorizing program is excellent.”

Vallebuona also provides critical assistance and information to those people in need in his position as a liaison to first responders for the Detectives Endowment Association.  Because of his experiences dealing with the medical system, he is extremely knowledgeable about the processes that need to be followed.  His dedication and involvement were also critical to the campaign for the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act that Congress passed in December of last year.  The legislation provides medical and financial assistance to those who became ill from serving on 9/11 and in its aftermath.

Vallebuona volunteers significant time to the Rockland County community through his roles with the Boy Scouts as Assistant Scout Master with Troop 78 in Nanuet and as a Cub Master with Cub Scout Pack 46 in New City. At St. Francis Church in West Nyack he teaches 5th and 8th grade religion. 

“I feel like I really want to give back to the community for what they have done for me and my family,” Vallebuona said.

Vallebuona resides in New City with his wife Amy and their two sons -- 12-year-old Ernest and 10-year-old Ethan.

Editor's Note: The Mount Sinai World Trade Center Medical Monitoring & Treatment Program helps WTC responders who may still be out there and need help for WTC-related health issues. For more information, call 888-702-0630 or go to wtcexams.org