The NYPD 104th Precinct celebrated the National Night Out Against Crime event on Tuesday, Aug. 7, despite some unruly weather conditions, thanks to a new accommodating host.
Participants of this year’s annual event gathered at the Maspeth Federal Savings Bank Headquarters, located at the corner of 69th Street and Grand Avenue in Maspeth, at around 5:30 p.m. for an evening of police appreciation.
Honorees at this year’s National Night Out Against Crime included 104th Precinct Commanding Officer Captain Karam Chowdhury and the Maspeth Federal Savings Bank, which provided a covered outdoor space, saving the event from being rained out.
President and CEO of Maspeth Federal Savings Thomas Rudzewick expressed his gratitude to everyone involved and underscored the importance of recognizing police officers who serve their community.
“All of us rely upon them. When things happen, they are there for us,” Rudzewick said. “To be a part of this makeshift movement from Juniper Park to our parking lot is just something that we have to do to help show (the police) they have our support, especially on the National Night Out Against Crime.”
Coincidentally, preparations for a Taylor Swift cover band concert scheduled at the Maspeth Federal Savings Bank’s outdoor area the following day provided ample rain coverage with a large tent that had been set up.
Although crews were still setting up the performance stage and the tents, Rudzewick said the move to the bank parking lot area was no trouble.
“When there’s help that’s needed, all of us kind of pitch in to make sure that we can make it happen. So I’m glad we worked it out,” Rudzewick shared.
The 104th Precinct Commanding Officer shared a similar sentiment for the National Night Out event, emphasizing the importance of maintaining relationships with the communities he serves.
“It’s an amazing feeling spending time with the community and building relationships, building bonds with the community,” Captain Chowdhury said. “On a night like this, you get to meet the community and know their needs, get to know them on a personal level.”
The NYPD Captain also shared that keeping morale high within the command and helping police officers feel supported are priorities, in addition to community building.
Two other members of NYPD top brass, Deputy Chief at Community Affairs Bureau Victoria C. Perry and Commanding Officer Christine Bastedenbeck, assistant chief of patrol for Queens North, stopped by the event.
City Council Member Robert Holden, Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. and Assemblymember Steven Raga also demonstrated their support on Wednesday.
Addabbo, representing constituents in Senate District 15, said providing any form of support for law enforcement is a valuable part of his legislative duties.
“The Police can’t do it alone. They need partners, and that’s where we come in. Both electeds and the residents. That’s why National Night Out is so important. It really brings us all together,” Addabbo said.
Raga, whose district office is located near the Maspeth Federal Bank, said the National Night Out Against Crime speaks to the 104th Precinct’s record of community engagement.
“Working with the 104 for years, even when I was Chief of Staff for Brian Barnwell, we see how they’re always on the ground, responding to constituents, community organizations and community voices regularly,” Raga said.
Dozens of community organizations attended the event, including the Maspeth Town Hall, local sports teams like the Maspeth Falcons Youth Football and city agencies like the NYC Department of Health.
National Night Out Against Crime occurs annually on the first Tuesday of August, aiming to humanize the police by giving residents the chance to see them as more than just law enforcement.
The event also represents a unified stance against crime and those who commit it within communities nationwide.
