Eileen Frey receives 2010 New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction” Award
NEW YORK, NY – On Tuesday, May 25th, State Senator and Deputy Majority Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) honored Eileen Frey, a Bronx native and Eastchester resident, with a 2010 New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction” award in Albany.
Frey received the award for her efforts in creating educational opportunities in the Bronx and Westchester by providing much needed scholarships for dozens of children each year.
Frey and her family launched the Michael Frey Foundation in 1997 named for their 29-year-old son who was shot and killed in the line of duty while working as a police officer with the Eastchester Police Department.
On March 21 1996, Officer Frey responded to a dispatch call from a resident who reported someone trespassing on his property. When Frey arrived at the home in Eastchester, a gunman – armed with a rifle – opened fire, killing Frey instantly.
The Michael Frey Foundation provides educational scholarships for students in Eastchester, Tuckahoe and Bronxville, including a special scholarship for students who follow in Michael’s footsteps by attending Immaculate Conception School and then Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains.
In 1997, Eileen Frey, with her son Al, also helped launch a New Yorkers Against Gun Violence chapter in Eastchester.
The NYS Senate’s annual Woman of Distinction Awards were first presented in 1998 to New York women who exemplify personal excellence, or whose professional achievements or acts of courage, selflessness, integrity or perseverance serve as an example to all New Yorkers. Each State Senator chooses one woman from his/her district to receive the award each year.
Klein honored Eileen Frey with a resolution presented on the Senate floor followed by an Albany reception to recognize all of the honorees. A photograph and biography for each honoree will be displayed in a special public exhibit in the Legislative Office Building.
“Eileen Frey is a dedicated and tireless leader in our community. She has turned her own tragic loss into an opportunity for young people to lead successful and enriching lives. I commend her for her strength and resolve and I am proud to honor her as a New York State Senate Woman of Distinction,”
said Senator Jeff Klein.
“I am honored Senator Klein chose me out of everyone in his district. I have never received an award of this caliber and I thank Senator Klein for this opportunity,” said Eileen Frey.
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