WHITE PLAINS, NY (September 30, 2025) — The Westchester County Board of Legislators marked Hispanic Heritage Month with a heartfelt ceremony Monday night, honoring two community pillars: the San Andrés Episcopal Food Pantry in Yonkers and Ossining’s first Hispanic American fire chief, Louis “Fredo” Sanchez.
The event kicked off with a lively performance by the Dominican Cultural Association of Yonkers Dance Group, whose traditional folkloric dances filled the chamber with vibrant blue and red skirts swirling to the rhythm.
Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D-New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) opened the celebration, emphasizing the integral role of Hispanic Americans in the county. “Our Hispanic community doesn’t just live in Westchester—they are Westchester,” Gashi said. “From our firehouses to our halls of government, from our small businesses to our houses of worship, Hispanic Americans have shaped and strengthened every corner of County life. Their energy, values, and commitment to family and community enrich us every day.”
Vice Chair José I. Alvarado (D-Yonkers) presented a proclamation to Brother Luis E. Hernandez Rivas, pastoral leader of the San Andrés Episcopal Food Pantry, a cornerstone of Yonkers for over a century. “As the Vice Chair of the Board of Legislators and a representative of District 17, I am delighted to honor the San Andrés Episcopal Food Pantry for its service to our community during our Hispanic American Heritage Month celebration,” Alvarado said. “With gratitude, the Board marks this occasion by recognizing them for their dedication and service in providing nourishment to both the body and the spirit.”
Legislator Emiljana Ulaj (D-Cortlandt, Ossining, Croton, Briarcliff, Buchanan) presented a proclamation to Chief Sanchez, praising his lifelong dedication to public service. “It’s clear that we are fighting for the soul of our country,” Ulaj said. “This is a critical time for us to lift up the contributions of Hispanic Americans. There’s no greater way to resist divisive narratives than to lift up stories that wholly defy them. In Westchester, we celebrate diversity and honor each of our immigrant roots. Chief Sanchez is a local hero.”
Sanchez, the first Hispanic American fire chief in Ossining, serves the village professionally while volunteering with the Ossining Volunteer Fire Department (OVFD). His wife and son are also volunteer firefighters, making public service a family tradition. Over decades with the OVFD, Sanchez has held numerous leadership roles and mentored new recruits
The ceremony underscored Westchester’s commitment to celebrating Hispanic American contributions, highlighting the San Andrés Episcopal Food Pantry and Chief Sanchez as exemplars of community service and leadership.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
