Annual NYPD Appreciation Day luncheon held despite pandemic

February 7, 2021 Jaime DeJesus, Brooklyn Reporter

Attendees of the annual NYPD Appreciation Day luncheon. brooklyn media/Photo

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The NYPD was given a hero’s welcome as the annual NYPD Brooklyn South appreciation luncheon was hosted by the Brooklyn Community Improvement Association (BCIA). The day also commemorated the beginning of the Lunar New Year celebration.

Held on Thursday, Feb. 4 outside Park Asia, 6521 Eighth Ave. in Sunset Park, the event included far less attendees due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brooklyn Asian-American Civilian Observation Patrol Vice President and BCIA member Louie Liu put the annual event together.

71 Precinct Commanding Officer Joseph Hayward thanking the men and women of the NYPD for their dedication in keeping our communities safe. brooklyn media/Photo

“We just wanted to thank the NYPD for the whole year and the hard work to support this community,” he told this paper. “ We’ve been doing it since 2013 and usually have 200 people coming to the event. This year, because of COVID, we couldn’t have a lot of people together. It was an outdoor event with a bit over 20 people.”

Two officers were honored during the event: Retired Chief Charles Scholl and Deputy Chief Ruel Stephenson from Brooklyn South

Councilmember Justin Brannan gives a speech during the appreciation day. brooklyn media/Photo

“We thanked him for helping the community for a long time and honored him,” Lou said of Scholl. “So they understand we are still missing him and thank them for all the work that he’s done for the community.”

During the day, Assistant Chief Brian J. Conroy, Commanding Officer spoke and thanked the officers for their dedication in keeping the community safe.

Assemblymember Peter Abbate attends the event. brooklyn media/Photo

Councilmember Justin Brannan and Assemblymember Peter Abbate also attended the celebration.

Former CO of the 68th Precinct Joseph Hayward, who is currently the CO of the 71st Precinct, was in attendance, thanking the men and women of the NYPD.