[VIDEO & PHOTOS BY HILLEL ENGEL IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

In light of the horrific murder of Police Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos in Brooklyn this past Saturday, Councilman Greenfield gathered together local community members and leaders at the 66th precinct to show support and say ‘Thank You’ to the NYPD. The 66th precinct covers Borough Park & Midwood and works closely with the Borough Park Shomrim and other local community groups to tackle crime and quality of life issues. Greenfield knows that police work is the most dangerous and difficult form of public service. Over 150 community members joined Greenfield’s rally to give thanks to the NYPD. Included in the crowd were many non-profit leaders, school administrators, community board members and local religious leaders – a testament to the strong relationship the local precinct has with the community. Also in attendance were Senator Simcha Felder, Councilman Brad Lander and Councilman Carlos Menchaca.

The program opened with Deputy Inspector Michael Deddo thanking all those gathered for their overwhelming outpour of support and noting the diversity of the gathering and the community that the 66th police precinct serves. He was followed by words of inspiration from several of the community’s key religious leaders and elected officials.

“Police are our family. I tell my kids, if you are ever lost, if you ever have a problem you can go to a relative or a police officer,” said Greenfield. “I don’t know every one of the 35,000 police officers in New York, but I do know that when they put on the uniform every day they are risking their lives to protect us.” Greenfield continued, “this year we have seen a 5% reduction in serious crime over already historic lows. That is not the result of fairy dust that was spread from the sky across the city. We live in the safest large city in America only because of the hard work of the men and women of the NYPD. We admire, respect and love our men and women in blue.”

“We all mourn the loss of two of New York City’s Finest who were killed in the line of duty. Police Officers Liu and Ramos made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Senator Simcha Felder. “We extend our deepest condolences to their families, and to their fellow officers throughout the New York City Police Department.”

“It’s all too easy to complain when something goes wrong, but it’s important to remember to give thanks as well. My thanks to everyone who came out this afternoon to show support for the work our police do to keep the neighborhood safe,” said Yidel Perlstein, Chair of Community Board 12.

“When something happens to a family member, the family comes together to lean on each other for support. Our community, and the police department that protects us, are one family. So we gather here to lean on each other, comfort each other and help each other move forward in this difficult time. My gratitude to Councilman Greenfield for bringing us together this afternoon.” said Barry Spitzer, District Manager of Community Board 12.

At the rally Councilman Greenfield passed out fliers of a NYPD badge with a black mourning band to attendees, asking them to place in their windows to show support for the NYPD during this difficult time. Anyone who would like to receive a flier for his or her own home or business is encouraged to call the Office of Councilman Greenfield at (718) 853-2704 and they will have one sent to them for free.

The communities of Borough Park and Midwood have an excellent relationship with the 66th precinct. Councilman Greenfield even hosts and annual community softball game names the ‘Greenfield Classic’ every summer featuring a friendly game between the NYPD and the Borough Park Shomrim Safety Patrol.

(YWN Desk – NYC)