The 111th Precinct paid tribute to five of the finest in the community for “a year or more of excellent service to our precinct” at the community council’s meeting on Tuesday, June 7 at the Adria Hotel in Bayside.
“We’re doing a bang up job out there and really answering the call,” said Commanding Officer Ronald Leyson who announced the awards during the meeting.
For the May 2010 to May 2011 year, Herbert Choi, 18, was awarded Explorer of the Year for his involvement in service projects, participation in drilling competitions and in mentoring peers. Soon to graduate Cardozo High School, he will be joining the United States Army on July 4.
Theresa Gallo, a principal administrative associate at the precinct, was awarded Civilian of the Year for managing administrative duties within the organization and 30 years of service.
Police Officer Jacqueline Diaz, serving for six years, was awarded Police Officer of the Year.
“Working with youth and actively preventing crime at Bayside High School is a difficult task; however Officer Diaz makes it look easy… [and] has made Bayside High School a safer environment for thousands of students… [while] balancing family obligations including raising four beautiful daughters including a 20-month-old baby,” said Leyson.
Detective Dominic Pazmino and Lieutenant Daniel Heffernan were awarded Detective of the Year Police Officer and Supervisor of the Year, respectively.
Auxiliary of the Year will be awarded at a later date.
While the city’s crime rate decreased by 1.5 percent since January, the 111th Precinct’s crime reduction rate was 13 percent with a 23 percent reduction this week. However, there have been cases of theft, especially of “smart phones” with 90 iPhones stolen from an AT&T store on Clearview and Northern Boulevard during a gunpoint robbery last week. However, Leyson advises the community to stay alert and aware of their surroundings to avoid larceny or robbery.
“The fact that the men and women are doing their job everyday shows in the crime reduction that we’ve had,” said Leyson.
