On May 15, the 45th Precinct held their Annual Council Breakfast where they honored the work of exceptional police officers and community members.
Lighting of the candles for the fallen police officers.
“May is a month where we salute our police officers who risk their lives dealing in difficult situations and in circumstances that deal with wider social issues.” said Robert Bieder, 45th Precinct Community Council President. Moments of silence and seven candles were lit and extinguished to represent the lives of the police officers lost in the last few months. As part of the touching tribute, two poems were read titled: “Somebody killed a policeman today” and “To my dearest family”, which was about a deceased officer writing a letter to his family.
One of the themes of the breakfast was the discussion about the need for a stronger connection between police officers and the community. “Our desire is to keep balance and we want to ensure that when police officers go out there they have the support and protection of this community and the obligation to ensure that they bring justice to what they do.” said Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson.
Senator Thompson went on to explain that programs like the Police Athletic League (PAL) have been effective at reducing neighborhood violence by forming a connection between residents and police through basketball games. Also in attendance was Senator Jeff Klein, Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson, and Chief Bronx Boro Command Larry Nikunen.
There were six civilian honorees this year along with five police awards. Lisa Sorin, Executive Director of the Westchester Square Bid, was honored for her role in improving the business district of Westchester Square and spearheading multiple community programs like the Christmas Tree Lighting. Another honoree known for helping local businesses and participating in community events like the annual 1st Responders BBQ was Jim McQuade. Paul Nani was honored for him devoting his time to fixing traffic issues within City Island as well as being the traffic coordinator for the City Island Civic Association. Member of the Waterbury LaSalle Community Association and well known community activist, Mary Jane Musano, was recognized for her work. John Provetto was awarded for his graffiti cleanup work as well as his work with the Cop Shot program. Reverend Deborah Jenkins was honored for her dedication helping survivors of domestic violence as well as organizing anti-violence community events like a year long prayer walk.
Police officers from the 45th precinct were also recognized for their service and community work. Lieutenants Kim Garcia and Paul Trapani are both conditions officers in charge of many of the precinct’s anti-violence community sector. Officer Frank Malafronte partners with community members for graffiti cleanups and Officer John Kiernan works with the youth explorers. Being praised for his work in catching stolen vehicles was Officer Douglas Yagual.
“The men and women of the 45th precinct have helped in reducing crime, which is down over 2% with a 50% reduction in shootings that contributes to an overall 20 year reduction in crime.” said Chief Bronx Boro Command Larry Nikunen. Chief Nikunen expressed optimism in a 15 month long ‘cat scan’ done on the 45th precinct and hopes that the findings from the study will continue to improve how the precinct operates.
Follow Us