By Betsy Scheinbart
The Rosedale Civic Association honored the former commanding officer of the 105th Precinct and officially installed eight officers to its highest leadership posts Tuesday.
Fred Kress, president of the Rosedale Civic Association, welcomed more than 100 of the group’s members and a host of other community leaders to the installation ceremony at the Throop Memorial Presbyterian Church of Rosedale.
Paul Mader, the financial secretary for the association, served as emcee during the ceremony and explained why the group decided to honor retired Deputy Inspector Glen Kotowski, the former commanding officer of the 105th Precinct, which covers Rosedale, Cambria Heights, Queens Village, Bellerose, Floral Park, Glen Oaks and New Hyde Park.
“We were blessed to have a few good commanding officers at the 105th Precinct over the years,” Mader said, “but Glen Kotowski has done more for us than I can remember being done by any other commander.”
Kotowski, who retired from the police force last month to manage the North Shore Towers in New Hyde Park, graciously accepted the award but did not give a speech at the event. He was replaced by Capt. Michael Bryan, the former commanding officer of the 108th Precinct.
Mader led the candle-lighting ceremony, a special tradition of the Rosedale Civic Association, that resembled the lighting of the Hanukkah menorah. The president lit his candle first and then each officers in turn lit their candles from the flame of the president’s candle.
City Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton) officially swore-in the group’s officers; Vice President Tony Thomas, Secretary Loretta Panebianco, Treasurer Irnel Stephen, Financial Secretary Mader, Corresponding Secretary Kathleen Richards, Sergeant at Arms Arthur Panebianco, Chaplain the Rev. Aubrey Bougher and finally, Kress as president.
Kress remarked on the progress Rosedale has seen in the last year, such as smoother streets, greener parks and improved city services.
“This year we will build new bridges with the elected officials,” Kress said, “and continue to revitalize our civilian patrol.”
The patrol recently added 18 new members and is working with community affairs officers from the 105th Precinct to act as a neighborhood watch, Kress said.
“We are looking to build it up because with city budget cuts we will be seeing less police,” Kress said of the civilian patrol, “but we can pick up some of the slack.”
Kress thanked his board members and special advisers Jim English, the association’s chairman and former president, Anne English and Mader.
“I have the best board any civic can have,” Kress said. “It’s going to be a good year for the Rosedale Civic Association.”
Reach reporter Betsy Scheinbart by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 138.
