The 104 Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol (104COP) managed to make both business and pleasure the main focus of its general board meeting at Christ The King High School on Thursday, Feb. 9.
The organization held a small Valentine’s Day celebration with some food and refreshments available throughout the night. Elizabeth Delacruz, President of 104COP, also passed out small gift bags to certain guests in light of the occasion.
A larger-than-average attendance was a welcomed sight for the group, as gaining more members remains a top priority for the rest of the year.
“This year, we have to be more visible to the community,” Delacruz said. “Once the weather starts getting warmer, I want to give us as an organization not just patrols. I want us to maybe do graffiti cleanup — getting involved with the Precinct.”
Delacruz also made an appearance on Univision Wednesday, Jan. 25, in a one-on-one interview with NY1 Noticias Reporter Yeila Lluberes — discussing recruitment efforts and sharing more about 104 COP. Delacruz said local news coverage may have been the reason for the feature.
Representatives from the offices of Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. attended the nightly meeting.
The impact of the death of 26-year-old NYPD Officer Adeed Fayaz, who was shot in the head during an attempted robbery while off duty on Saturday, Feb. 4, ripples throughout the NYPD.
Within the same weekend, officers from 104 Precinct community affairs sent information regarding the assault of multiple female victims around 9 to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 5. Police said the victims were approached from behind by an unknown male and fled in an SUV. The perpetrator was described as possibly White or Hispanic, wearing a white V-neck shirt & dreadlocks in a ponytail.
The incidents took place on 59-24 Gates Ave., 60-32 Palmetto St., 1870 Madison St., and Gates Avenue & Fresh Pond Road. Victims were thrown to the ground and one was punched in the lower back. Investigations are ongoing and police are searching for the suspect.
With more community engagement efforts ongoing, 104COP continues to ask for those in the confines of the 104 Precinct to consider joining.
Telmo Gil, a seven year-long member, balances his time between work and as a member of the NYPD Auxiliary. He reiterated how volunteering for patrols doesn’t take up too much time and helps to stay informed about his life-long home neighborhood.
“As far as requirements, two times a month is all that we ask to keep an active membership,” Gil said. “That’s three hours each patrol, six hours a month that we ask that you give. If there are other certain months where you can’t and things come up in life, it’s fine. You can make it up another month.”
