Cop of the Month honors for Sergeant Egan

Sergeant John J. Egan “is exactly why we do Cop of the Month,” according to 106th Precinct Commanding Officer Deputy Inspector Joseph G. Courtesis.
In the early morning hours of Friday, October 30, a large crowd had assembled outside the Chemistry Lounge, according to police. A patrol supervisor suspected the premises was overcrowded and requested back up.
The crowd of over 100 soon became unruly and did not want to disperse. Suddenly, said Courtesis, the door to the club burst open and a man with a knife emerged, slashing a bouncer across the face.
Swinging the knife, the perp had stabbed two people by that point.
Egan tackled the suspect from behind, wrestled him and placed him under arrest.
“Sergeant Egan’s actions exemplify bravery,” said Courtesis.
And, exemplifying “If you see something, say something,” Courtesis said that a neighbor’s concern a few weeks ago led to an arrest.
The woman had seen a person in the rear of a nearby home and called 9-1-1. Police arrived, said Courtesis, and the man was arrested, with jewelry in his pockets.
“That’s exactly what we’re looking for,” said the Commanding Officer.
The Community Council then addressed old business, including illegal dumping at a lot on 124th Street and Sutter Avenue.
The precinct has been working with the Department of Sanitation (DOS) and Housing and Preservation Development (HPD), said Courtesis. HPD said that there was, in fact, evidence of trespassing at the location, and on Thursday, December 3, the mayor’s office intervened regarding a fence at the site.
“We’re going to keep working on it,” said Courtesis.
Then, going into the holiday season, the officers gave pointers to those in attendance on how to keep themselves – and their belongings – safe, including locking doors, installing lighting and security cameras – and even turning your rings around.
“The price of gold is up, jewelry is the market right now,” said Courtesis.
Community Board 10 Chair Betty Braton then commended the men and women of the 106, saying that the number of noise complaints in the command is back down to a 2005 level.
“There has been an effect in the community,” she said.
Braton also explained that, for the upcoming season – June 15 through September 15 – the CB will only okay block parties for Saturdays (Sundays will be retained for rain dates).
The next meeting of the 106th Precinct Community Council will be on Wednesday, January 13, 2010.