Bronx NYPD Officers Honored at ASPCA Appreciation Luncheon

Honorees with their awards. Photo credit: ASPCA

NEW YORK — The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) recently honored 16 members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and one Assistant District Attorney for their tireless efforts to help animals through the NYPD/ASPCA Partnership.

The honorees attended a celebratory luncheon held at the ASPCA’s Adoption Center and were given appreciation awards for their critical roles in preventing, investigating, and prosecuting cases of animal cruelty and neglect in 2017.

“The 17 men and women we’re honoring today were champions this year for animals across New York City,” said Howard Lawrence, Vice President of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement. “They helped engage their colleagues and citizens in concrete ways to combat animal cruelty and were instrumental in building more actively engaged, safe, and humane communities.”

This year’s Bronx honorees were:

Howard Lawrence, Vice President, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement (l) and Deputy Chief James Luongo (r). Photo credit: ASPCA

Deputy Chief James Luongo, Special Investigations Division
Deputy Chief Luongo is the Commanding Officer of the Special Investigations Division. This division is comprised of the Detective Bureau’s elite investigative units, including the Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad (ACIS). Deputy Chief Luongo is being recognized for his commitment and dedication to the NYPD/ASPCA Partnership. Through his many duties and responsibilities, Deputy Chief Luongo has been an integral part of the growth and development of the program. He always finds time in his busy schedule to participate in trainings and other events where his presence has a great impact in ensuring that animal welfare is a priority with all members of the NYPD. His oversight of ACIS has resulted in an increased focus on animal fighting as well as other animal cruelty-related crimes in New York City.

 

ASPCA NYPD Award Lunch Dec 12 Howard Lawrence (left), Sgt. Michael Murphy, Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad (right). Photo credit: ASPCA

Sergeant Michael Murphy, Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad
Sgt. Murphy brings a myriad of supervisory investigative experience to his role as Commanding Officer of the Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad (ACIS). Sgt. Murphy’s previous assignments include Precinct Detective Unit Supervisor, Homicide Unit Supervisor, and HIDTA Supervisor. Under Sgt. Murphy’s leadership, ACIS has had a significant impact on animal welfare in New York City. ACIS detectives have conducted several successful animal fighting cases and continually effect cruelty arrests as the result of investigating open complaints of animal cruelty. Sgt. Murphy has cultivated relationships with prosecutors at the local, state and federal levels and has conducted cases in all venues. In addition to enforcement, Sgt. Murphy ensures that ACIS personnel work closely with the ASPCA Community Engagement members on those cases where there is no criminality, but where there are opportunities to provide necessary resources to community residents in need. Sgt. Murphy has been a cornerstone of the program and a significant contributor to its success.

 

Howard Lawrence, Vice President, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement (l) and Sgt. Brendan McGuigan, 47th Precinct (r). Photo credit: ASPCA

Sergeant Brendan McGuigan, 47th Precinct
Sgt. McGuigan is being recognized as an integral part of the war on animal cruelty in Bronx County. His tireless efforts to assist in improving the welfare of animals in the borough are admirable. Sgt. McGuigan has displayed dedication to helping fight animal cruelty at all times, including nights, weekends, holidays and vacations, when he always answers his phone and is willing to get involved. His knowledge of the Bronx and his network of colleagues in other Bronx commands ensures a quick response of needed personnel day or night.

 

 

 

Howard Lawrence, Vice President, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement (l) and Police Officer Catherine H. Klyde, School Safety Division (r). Photo credit: ASPCA

Police Officer Catherine H. Klyde, School Safety Division
Officer Klyde is the eyes and ears of the animal welfare mission in Bronx County. Her dedication and commitment have made her a valuable asset to the NYPD/ASPCA partnership. Through her work, she has partnered with ASPCA and PBBX personnel on dog and cat cases spanning the entire borough.

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