BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK — A little rain didn’t dampen spirits Tuesday night for NYPD’s National Night Out in Brooklyn Bridge Park, where the 84th Precinct and local Brooklyn community members bonded over food and fun.

The event, presented by the 84th Precinct Community Council, showcased partnerships between the 84th Precinct — led by Captain Thomas Maffei, the 84th’s Commanding Officer — local organizations and the community. Brooklyn officials joined in the fun, and good citizens received well-deserved recognition for their efforts.

Entertainment was provided by pianist Kay Sublime and DJ Danny, and the Brooklyn Diamonds Drill Team thrilled with their precision movements.

The event, which took place on Pier Five, was one of about a dozen National Night Out gatherings across Brooklyn, meant to build positive relationships with the police and help make neighborhoods safer.

This was the first Night Out at the 84th Precinct for Maffei, who took over as commanding officer in December of 2023. “After working with the community, organizations, the Community Board and franchises, it’s been nothing but positive relationships,” he said. “The possibilities are endless. I look forward to building bridges and bonding with the community.”

Special recognition to the Gelbs

Receiving special recognition this year were Boerum Hill residents Mark and Cheryl Gelbs. Mark just stepped down as the very-active president of the 84th Precinct Community Council. Long a board member, he took over the position of president in 2017 after the passing of Leslie Lewis. Cheryl has served as Community Council treasurer even longer.

State Sen. Andrew Gounardes recognized the “great volunteer work of the Community Council,” and in particular the Gelbs, to whom he presented Certificates of Achievement from the New York State Senate.

“Today we’re paying tribute to the long service of Mark and Cheryl, who put in countless years of dedicated service,” Gounardes said. Through their leadership, significant strides have been made in enhancing street safety and community well-being, he said. Behind the scenes, the couple enhanced community relations with the police through organizing events for seniors, community members and kids — and doing much of it remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Councilmember Lincoln Restler presented a City Council proclamation honoring the Gelbs.

“Over nearly a decade, Mark and Cheryl Gelbs have served in leadership roles of the 84th Precinct Community Council and exemplified community leadership,” Restler said. “They have ensured our community precinct council is a respectful and constructive body where all neighbors are welcome and issues are addressed with accountability. Mark and Cheryl have made a real difference in improving the quality of life for neighbors in Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, and Boerum Hill.”

“I joined the Community Council in June 2019 under Cheryl and Mark Gelbs,” said Peter Lanfranca, the Community Council’s new president. The Gelbs “mentored me and gave me confidence. They ran the Community Council with dedication and reverence.” Tim Blaine will be taking on duties as treasurer.

A moving tribute to Firefighter Peter Anthony Chiodo

Samantha Chiodo brought tears and applause with her moving and pitch-perfect rendition of the national anthem. Samantha is the daughter of former Firefighter Peter Anthony Chiodo from Engine Company 226 at 409 State St.

Anthony Chiodo passed away on November 26, 2022 from a 9/11-related illness, his wife JoAnn told the Brooklyn Eagle. Chiodo worked for 25 years at Engine 226. “Sam used to sing at the 9/11 mass at Engine 226,” she said.

Their other daughter, Jessica, has just graduated from the FDNY Academy, JoAnn added.

Tribute to dedicated crossing guards

Dedicated School Crossing Guard Willie Mae Jackson, who retired in June after 47 years at P.S. 307 in Cobble Hill, received Good Citizen commendations from the 84th Precinct and the Community Council. She also received a proclamation from Councilmember Restler.

“Our city relies on dedicated public servants who truly care about the safety and well-being of their neighborhoods and crossing guards are unheralded heroes who are integral to the fabric of our community,” Restler said. “For nearly 50 years, Ms. Willie Mae Jackson has not only kept the children and families of P.S. 307 safe as they walk to school, but she went above and beyond to support students and bring joy and warmth to generations in Farragut and Vinegar Hill. We were thrilled to honor her at the P.S. 307 graduation in June and wish her the best in her well-earned retirement!”

The precinct also honored School Crossing Guard Holloman, who started with NYPD in1986. Holloman’s post was also at P.S. 307, at the intersection of Sands and Gold streets.

“I’ve seen myself SCG Holloman running so fast to stop a student from getting hit from a car,” commented Detective Specialist Julius Hudson, Brooklyn North Community Affairs, who has been working with the precinct’s youth for years.

“Both SCG Holloman and SCG Jackson are always dedicated to the job and have been remarkably amazing — always on time, fully suited up ready for work,” he said.

Sponsors included the 84th Precinct Community Council and the 84th Precinct, plus Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Councilmember Lincoln Restler, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Target, Wegmans, Park Plaza Restaurant, Boerum Hill Association and the Brooklyn Heights Association.

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