Pedro A. Candia

Tony was born in Paraguay, coming to the United States at the of 7 along with his parents. He did not speak English but quickly learned this second language.

Growing up in the Bronx (Arthur Avenue), he had two dreams: the first was to enter the Army. At the age of 20 he enlisted in the Army. He didn’t even tell his parents until the week prior to leaving for boot camp. He completed 4 years of active duty and reached the rank of E-5 Sergeant. But he was not finished with his military service goals. He entered the Army National Guard Reserves, serving a total of 23 years. He always said he enjoyed every minute of his time in the armed forces, where he was in Infantry and a tanker. Some recognition Tony earned included the US Army Achievement Medal, USA Good Conduct Medal/National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and ARCOM with Valor medal. His love for his country was unmatched and he fought for our freedom without fear or compromise.

Tony’s second dream was to become a NYPD police officer. He entered the Police Academy in 1990 and upon completing his training began living his dream in NYPD. In 1996 he became Detective in the Organized Crime Control Bureau. In 2004 he became Sergeant in the Patrol Unit. His next move was in 2007 to Sergeant in PBBX Task Force where he remained until he retired in 2010. But before he retired, in 2009 during the Medal Day ceremony thirteen Medals of Valor were awarded by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, with Tony being the recipient of one of those distinct and prestigious Medals of Valor.

Throughout his career with the NYPD, his experiences evolved into a never-ending array of stories. Though he did not share them readily with everyone, as he was not one to boast or self-disclose until he had gotten to know you, he could tell his stories that flowed easily from one to another for hours. He often joked that time had gotten away from him and “Harley (pet dog) had to tell me to shut up and go to bed” by walking up to him and whining because it was 2a.m.

While most of his stories he chose to share were on the humorous side, there was one that was horrific….the events of 9/11. He was a first responder at the scene as the Towers fell. With no protective equipment and without thought of the dangers involved, he forged ahead into the dust and debris to help the people to safety. He entered buildings that were unstable, searching for anyone who needed help. He once said that the ground was so hot that it melted the soles right off of his shoes. For 12 or more hours a day, for several months, he was involved in every aspect of search and rescue/recovery, as well as safety and security as needed. He described not being able to see his hand in front of his face because of the density of dust, and tasting as if he were eating sand for months after the event. While most of us were watching this tragedy from home or work, he was living it. I’m not sure I know of many people who would have had what it took to do all that he did during that time.

Hero by definition is ‘a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his or her brave deeds and noble qualities or outstanding achievements’. Pedro Candia met all of the criteria to be called a hero. It was with all of these attributes that also gave him the same strength to fight his own battle with the illness that he developed from 9/11 exposure.

Tony is survived by his wife, Debra Candia, his parents, Derlis and Yolanda Candia, 3 children, Chaleah (Tony) Shampine, Ashlie (Nick)Turano, and Christopher Candia, as well as 3 step-children, Patrick Wood, Sarah (Zach)Ugarte, and Ashley (Paul) Strong. He has 3 grandchildren, Roman and Ava Turano, and Addison Shampine and 3 step-grandchildren, Reese, Collin and Kennedy Ugarte. He loved his family more than anything and would say “I’m happiest when all of the kids are here.” While Tony did not have siblings, he had a stong, close bond with his cousins and they considered each other like brothers: Retired Det. 1st Grade Fernando (Maria) Lovera, Ret.Det. 1st Grade Sergio (Rosanne) Lovera, as well as cousins Det 3rd Grade Steve Lovera, Detective 2nd Grade Oscar Rivas, and Lt. Federico Vazquez. Tony’s best friend from childhood, Steve Martinez, was considered a brother along with his cousins.

If someone has one person they can call a friend under the true meaning of the title, they are very lucky. Tony had too many to count. Some of them have been keeping up with him and checking regularly on his status; Cris Batignani, John Frawley, Paul Daly, Donny Powers, Willie Johnson, Bill McMahon. Thank you for your calls, visits and assistance.

Pedro A. Candia:

A true Hero.

What a legacy, what a life.