By COLlive reporter
Photos: Shimi Kutner/COLlive
The Crown Heights Jewish Community Council held its annual awards ceremony for its Crime Victims Assistance Program, showing appreciation to members of law enforcement and volunteer patrols.
Honored were Sergeant Alex Vahldieck of the NYPD 77th Precinct, Detective John Anastasakos, Detective Michael A. Bennett, Police Officer Michael Baratta – community affairs officer at the 71st Precinct, and Police Officer Raymond DiMaria, Police Officer Daniel Oh, and Police Officer Vu Nguyen, all of the 71st Precinct.
Also honored were members of the community volunteer patrol organizations, Shmira and Shomrim.
Crown Heights resident Yechezkel Ezagui was honored on behalf of the volunteer security group Shmira, of which he has been a member for 20 years, helping to lead its transformation into an officially recognized participant in NYPD’s Civilian Observation Patrol (COP) Program.
Shmira volunteer patrol was recognized for its crime prevention efforts, by following, tracking and capturing criminals, obtaining footage of crimes for the police, and helping neighborhood residents feel safe. They were also thanked for the Chaverim organization, which helps many individuals in the neighborhood.
Crown Heights resident Mendy Hershkop was honored on behalf of the Shomrim volunteer patrol, recognized for its efforts to keep the neighborhood safe and helping with crime prevention and assistance to residents.
The program was led by Batia Brandel, Director of CHJCC Crime Victims Program, and Galina Pindrick, the program’s Mental Health Counselor.
CHJCC’s Executive Director Rabbi Eli Cohen opened the program. Also in attendance were Chanina Sperlin and Zaki Tamir of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council.
Also in attendance were Chief Conroy and Chief Scholl of Patrol Boro Brooklyn South, and the commanding officers Inspector Romero of 71st precinct, Inspector Buttacavoli of 77th precinct, as well as officers, detectives and commanders of 71st precinct, 77th precinct and Transit District 32.