Villager photo by Jefferson Siegel

Gaining yards for police fund

The National Arts Club on Gramercy Park S. held an exhibition and auction of artwork by Police Department members on Feb. 8. Most of the 61 lots were sports oriented. Above, from left: Deputy Inspector Joseph Hoch; Daily News cartoonist Bill Gallo; Police Commissioner Ray Kelly; and Cynthia Salichs — mother of Police Officer Eric Hernandez — holding lot # 56, “Eric Hernandez-N.Y.P.D. Finest in Football.” Hernandez, a running back on the department’s football team, was mistakenly killed by another officer last year after Hernandez was attacked by a group of thugs at a White Castle restaurant. The sculpture was made by Officer Christopher Garcia of Transit District 33. Proceeds will go to The Finest Widows’ and Children’s Fund.