Honor ex-cop for service

Atria Kew Gardens resident and former New York City Police Officer Lester Sackett was in complete disbelief on Friday, April 25 when members of the police department came to honor him during a surprise event.
Born in Connecticut, the 96-year-old Sackett moved to Queens in 1924. He served as a member of the 23rd precinct in Harlem from 1938 to 1961.
“Lester’s accomplishments in the New York City Police Department (NYPD) are something we all admire … to this very day and generations to come,” officer Joe Cornetta said. “We salute you.”
During the event, Sackett was presented with collar brass and a replica of his shield. Atria Kew Gardens gave him a certificate of appreciation and photograph of when Sackett was a patrolman. The police department also brought a bagpipe player.
“I never in a thousand years would have expected such an honor,” Sackett said. “I thought I was doing a good job to help the people who needed help.”
David Shimshi, President of the NYPD Shomrim Society, said that the department appreciated all that Sackett, a former plain clothes youth officer, did for the children he came into contact with.
“I’m certain that you were a role model for many of them and because of you many of them went on and did outstanding things in their lives,” Shimshi said.
Sackett’s family was also present for the event. Son Jeff said that his father always looked back fondly on his time with the police department.
“It’s great [to see him honored] because he was very proud to be a New York City cop,” he said.
Sackett has been a resident of Atria Kew Gardens for about three years. Executive Director Shira Brazil said that he is a very active member of the community and that he is a huge asset.
“We’re very proud of him and what he’s accomplished,” she said.