Honoring Those Who Protect and Serve Our Communities on Labor Day | From Police Community Partnership to Youth Service

September 7, 2026, Labor Day, is not only a day to honor every hardworking worker, but also an opportunity to recognize those who remain committed to their duties, protect our communities, and serve society.

Today, the New York Firearms Association (NYFA) Anti-Gun Violence Patrol Unit visited the New York City Police Department’s 109th Precinct to provide meals and energy drinks to police officers who continued working throughout the holiday to protect the safety of the community. Most of the energy drinks were generously donated by NYFA member Mr. Qu Song Guo on behalf of the New York Firearms Association.

(Mr. Qu, a member of the Anti-Gun Violence Patrol Unit (fifth from left, wearing black))

A pizza may not be expensive, but it represents respect from the community, appreciation for the hard work of law enforcement officers, and a gesture of mutual support between the police and the community. On this Labor Day, we hope that this simple and sincere gesture conveys a message to those who continue to serve even during the holidays: Thank you.

Community engagement and cooperation have always been one of the six core missions of the New York Firearms Association. We believe that maintaining community safety is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement agencies. It also requires the participation of residents, nonprofit organizations, young people, and other members of the community. We respect and support law enforcement, while also seeking to build greater understanding and trust through positive interaction between law enforcement and the community. Today’s Labor Day outreach to officers of the 109th Precinct is one concrete example of this mission in action.

This summer, the New York Firearms Association also successfully completed the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Summer Youth Employment Program. Throughout the summer, participating young people worked according to established schedules and assignments, carrying out community patrols and other public service activities despite the hot weather.

(A female summer youth participant works alongside senior patrol members to inspect trash and combustible materials and identify potential fire hazards)

For these young participants, this was more than simply a summer job. It was a valuable opportunity for real world experience. Through their daily assignments, they learned time management, teamwork, and workplace discipline. More importantly, they began to understand that serving the community requires not only enthusiasm, but also responsibility, commitment, and consistent effort.

Behind this experience was also the dedication of the members of the Anti-Gun Violence Patrol Unit. In particular, Patrol Unit Commander Wong Heiman devoted significant time and effort throughout the summer to leading the young participants in community patrols and service activities.

Despite the heat, he worked alongside the patrol members to complete their assignments and, through his actions, helped the young participants understand the importance of discipline and teamwork. He also showed them that community service is not simply a slogan. It is a responsibility that requires genuine time, effort, and commitment.

(Although the Anti-Gun Violence Patrol Unit has no law enforcement authority, patrolling together can still serve as a visible reminder and deterrent. Through the experience, the summer youth participants also learned that using public transportation means paying the required fare and following the rules)

(A senior member of the Anti-Gun Violence Patrol Unit leads summer youth participants in conducting community observation in key public safety areas of Flushing this summer)

One summer. One work experience. One patrol at a time. Each assignment brings responsibility and growth.

For young people who may hope to pursue careers in the military, law enforcement, public safety, or related fields, experiences like these can be especially meaningful. Through hands-on work, they gain early exposure to teamwork, public service, time management, and community responsibility, while building valuable experience for their future careers.

Some of the most important skills cannot be fully learned in a classroom. They are developed through completing real assignments, working as part of a team, and taking responsibility for the work entrusted to them.

The NYFA Anti-Gun Violence Patrol Unit is a volunteer force dedicated to serving the community. The Patrol Unit does not replace law enforcement agencies and does not exercise police powers. Instead, it participates in community safety through neighborhood patrols, safety education, observation, and timely reporting.

Through these efforts, we hope to increase public awareness of safety, encourage more people to care about and participate in their communities, and contribute to preventing and reducing gun violence and other safety concerns.

Public safety requires both professional law enforcement and community cooperation. Law enforcement agencies protect the law and maintain order. Community organizations bring residents together and strengthen community involvement. Young people learn responsibility through service. Each plays a different role, but all can work toward the same goal: building safer communities.

From providing a holiday meal to officers of the 109th Precinct today, to having young participants complete scheduled community patrols throughout the summer, to patrol members dedicating their time and energy to guiding young people through their assignments in the summer heat, these seemingly simple actions represent concrete expressions of NYFA’s commitment to Community Engagement and Cooperation.

(Left: Mr. Zheng, who joined NYFA through the NYC Service platform and actively participates in volunteer and community service)

This commitment is not simply a slogan or a one day event. It is ongoing work that requires long term dedication and perseverance.

We believe that when community organizations, young people, and law enforcement agencies develop greater understanding, respect, and cooperation, communities can generate even more positive strength.

Moving forward, the New York Firearms Association will continue to promote community engagement, encourage young people to serve their communities, strengthen cooperation with law enforcement agencies and other organizations, and contribute to public safety and community development through safety education, community service, and anti-gun violence initiatives.

(Mr. Wong, Commander of the Anti-Gun Violence Patrol Unit, with Honorary President Lin)

On this Labor Day, we salute everyone who works hard, remains committed to their responsibilities, and helps protect and serve our communities.

Start with youth service, and build responsibility.

Start with community cooperation, and build safer communities.

Grow through service. Walk together through responsibility.