Gold medals for cops who got ‘granny basher'

Senator Serphin Maltese traveled to the 109th Precinct in Flushing to present New York State Senate Liberty Medals to elderly mugging victims, 101-year-old Rose Morat and 85-year-old Solange Elizee, and to the Queens Robbery Squad detectives who nabbed their alleged assailant, &#8220granny basher” Jack Rhodes.
On Tuesday, July 21, the entire squad of detectives waited outside of the stationhouse at 37-05 Union Street, waiting for Elizee's arrival. Morat had a previous engagement and could not attend, according to Maltese's office.
When Elizee arrived, the scene resembled a long-lost family reunion. &#8220She got teary-eyed,” said a member of Maltese's staff. &#8220These were the detectives who helped reassure her during the investigation and they got a little emotional, too,” he said.
&#8220We developed a relationship with Solange and Rose,” said Detective Chris Alger, as he spoke about Elizee and Morat. &#8220They were like our grandmothers - it was personal to us,” he said, adding, &#8220No other arrest ever made me feel better.”
&#8220What you did was fantastic,” Maltese said, as he presented the detectives with the medals and certificates during the presentation ceremony in the muster room.
The New York State Senate Liberty Medal and Award is presented to courageous individuals who show exceptional valor and dedication on behalf of the people of the State of New York.
Morat and Elizee also received the Liberty Medal for their fortitude in withstanding the assaults and their aftermath. Morat became a senior hero for resisting the assault and robbery, and the video of the crime provoked national outrage.
&#8220The guys did a great job,” said Lieutenant William Smith, the commanding officer of the unit, after the ceremony. &#8220It's nice that they got some recognition,” he said.
Rhodes, who faces up to 90 years in prison if convicted on the 36-count indictment, remains in custody without bail. He is also accused of robbing and beating Jamaica resident Angela Kahn, 51, during his crime spree.