Law enforcement illuminated at 20th annual Police Appreciation Lunch
Honorees included members of the 60th, 61st and 62nd Precincts
From left: Alexander Zhorov; Radwan Farraj, constituent services representative for Hakeem Jeffries; Deputy Inspector Andrey Smirnov; and Tatyana Timoshenko, mother of fallen hero Det. Russel Timoskenko. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
SHEEPSHEAD BAY — The 20th annual Police Appreciation Luncheon, sponsored by the non-for-profit organization Be Proud Inc., honored several in law enforcement on Dec. 5 at Sky Wise Lounge on Emmons Avenue.
Honorees included Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, whose award was accepted by Assistant Chief Francis Giordano. Deputy Chief Community Affairs Bureau Victoria Perry and Deputy Chief Richard Taylor also received awards on behalf of the Immigrant Outreach Unit and the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau.
The 60th Precinct was illuminated, specifically Deputy Inspector Andrey Smirnov, as well as the 61st Precinct’s Deputy Inspector Joseph Antonio and the 62nd Precinct’s Captain Mohammed Islam.
In addition to plaques from Be Proud, each awardee also received a citation from Congressmember Hakeem Jeffries, presented by his representative.
Smirnov, of the 60th precinct, told the audience that there are not enough words to describe how much appreciation he feels.
“Its truly amazing,” Smirnov said. “The fact that we are all here together — cops, community members and elected officials — showing an appreciation for each other is amazing.”
Antonio said, “This goes out to everybody; it cannot be done alone. We need community partners and support.”
Antonio noted that the support he’s received from his community in the past 2.5 years “is second to none.”
Islam said, “When I look at the leadership here — the mentorship from the chiefs on down — it’s incomparable. They’ve led the pathway for myself. Let’s continue that into the New Year.”
Lt. Ralph Postiglione, Brooklyn South, alongside NYPD Community Affairs officers. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Origins
Raisa Chernina, founder and executive director of Be Proud, discussed how the first Police Appreciation Luncheon came about.
“It was 21 years ago, and my mother had passed away,” she recalled. “I don’t remember all the details, but there was an officer from the 61st Precinct there in my home and was insistent upon staying by my side until my family arrived. ‘I can’t leave you alone,’ the officer said.”
It meant so much to Chernina, she said, adding that she knew she had to do something, “and the following year we had this luncheon and never looked back.”
From left: Be Proud’s Alexander Zhorov, Capt. Frank Abbriano, Capt. Mohammed Islam and Deputy Inspector Joseph Antonio. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
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.
