
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — The inaugural Hon. Reinaldo E. Rivera Award for Public Safety — recognizing the outstanding service, dedication and professionalism of court officers and commands within the Unified Court System of the Second Judicial Department — was held at the Appellate Division, Second Department, 45 Monroe Pl., the afternoon of March 19, to a crowd of approximately 100.
The award, established by Second Department Presiding Justice Hector LaSalle, is named in honor of Rivera, an esteemed former associate justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department, and the department’s first Hispanic associate justice. Rivera retired in 2023.
Presented by Associate Justices Lara Genovesi and Barry Warhit, the honorees included Chief of Public Safety Michael Magliano, Chief of Training Joseph Baccellieri Jr., Captain Steve Vera, and the Court Officers Academy — which provides comprehensive training programs for uniformed personnel and non-uniformed employees designated as “peace officers.”
Baccellieri, New York State Office of Court Administration’s Court Officers Academy commanding officer and chief of training, told the Brooklyn Eagle that while judges, no doubt, are the most vital part of the court system, “If you don’t have a fair, safe, and impartial environment for the administration of justice, we have anarchy.”
Baccellieri also referred to LaSalle as “a class act and a wonderful, decent human being who goes above and beyond to acknowledge people who are an important part of the court system.”
Baccellieri manages the Unified Court System’s Department of Public Safety, which oversees the delivery of security services to courts statewide, developing and implementing public safety policies, procedures, and standards.
He also spoke very highly of Magliano, who he called a good friend and “a great and well-respected leader.”
“Mike Magliano and I started working together more than 40 years ago in Brooklyn Criminal Court,” Baccellieri recalled, adding that he has an effusive sense of humor, is loyal, and believes in giving back to the community.
As for the Court Officers Academy being honored, Baccellieri pointed out that it’s always satisfying when your staff gets acknowledged.
“It’s one of the greatest compliments,” he said. “Reminds me of watching your children grow up and succeed in life.”
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.

ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.