Thomas Winberry
During a career that spanned 20 years with the NYPD, Thomas X. Winberry was awarded many commendations—including the NYPD Medal of Honor for saving the life of a swimmer who was drowning in the East River.
Now nearly two years after his death, on June 29, 2011, Winberry will be honored by the city once again. On June 9, the intersection of Metropolitan and Ascan avenues will be renamed Thomas X. Winberry Way to commemorate the life of the NYPD veteran and the former leader of the American Legion Continental Post 1424, located at the site.
Winberry was 19 years old when his life of service began. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1950 to serve in the Korean War.
After returning home, he held on to his military ties by joining the American Legion. He remained active and after years of service was made the Queens County commander.
During his time on the police force, Winberry was an officer assigned to the Mounted Unit and also was assigned to the 103rd Precinct in Jamaica. He was cited over 15 times for acts of courage.
Winberry was a staunch supporter of Veteran rights, and traveled all across New York State as an advocate for veteran’s causes, he was especially dedicated to the preservation of the St. Albans Veteran’s complex.
Among his civic credits were his leadership in brining many organizations into contact with the legion including the Forest Hills Community and Civic Association and organizing the annual Thanksgiving dinners for the Kidz Care Junior Civic Association.
One of Winberry’s proudest devotions was his involvement in the annual Forest Hills Memorial Day Parade. He was also one of the founders of the September 11 memorial at Remsen Cemetery located in Forest Hills at Trotting Course Lane and Alderton Street.
The park, which serves as the site of the memorial, was once owned by the Continental Post but Winberry arranged for the property to be taken over and maintained by the NYC Parks Department resulting in marking it for preservation as a historic site.
Mayor Bloomberg approved the renaming in 2012 after Council member Karen Koslowitz submitted the request.
The community is invited to attend a ceremony in recognition and remembrance of the life and achievements of the beloved activist, veteran and police officer. The event will be held at the intersection on Sunday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m.
By Patricia Adams
