[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

In a strong outpouring of unity and appreciation, the Flatbush Jewish community presented the Police Department with a donation of $10,000 in memory of the three police officers fallen in the line of duty, and welcomed the three new Chiefs to the helm of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South.

The Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition, FJCC, in partnership with Flatbush Hatzoloh, Flatbush Shomrim, and local elected officials held an NYPD Appreciation Event and presented the FJCC Heroes Fund to the Patrolmans Benevolent Association, Seargents Benevolant Association, and Lieutenats Benevolant Assiociation.

Josh Mehlman,Chairman of the FJCC, stated “Today we commemorate the memory of those officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for all the citizens of New York City, and honor those who serve all New Yorkers everyday. Words can hardly express our community’s gratitude.”

Paul Capotosto, Treasurer of the SBA spoke emotionally of his own wife, a fellow police officer, being shot in the 70th precinct over 20 years ago, and Hatzoloh paramedics saving her life. “This donation isn’t the only gift your community has given to the NYPD” he stated.

Appreciative plaques were given to the precinct commanders Capt. William Taylor, 60 Pct. Deputy Inspector Carlos Valdez, 61 Pct.; Captain Anthony Sanseverino, 62 Pct. Captain Thomas Burke 63 Pct. Captain Kenneth Quick 66 Pct. Deputy Inspector Richard DiBlasio 70 Pct.

Assistant Chief Steven M. Powers, Commanding Officer; Deputy Chief Eric Rodriguez, Executive Officer; Deputy Chief Charles Scholl, Executive Officer, Patrol Borough Brooklyn South were each presented with special welcoming plaques, stating, “The greater Flatbush Jewish community appreciates your leadership and dedication to ensure the safety and security of all citizens in Brooklyn South.” A surprise award was presented to Sgt. Ira Jablonsky, Community Affairs, PBBS for his continued dedication to the Flatbush community.

Rafi Treitel, community liaison to the NYPD, spoke of the unity in the community supporting the Police Department.
The FJCC Heroes Fund was chaired by Chaskel Bennett, FJCC co-founder, Peter Rebenwurzel and Leon Goldenberg, and included donations from Senator Simcha Felder, Assemblyman Dov Hikind, and Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein.

The FJCC was founded over two years ago to represent, and unite the greater Flatbush Jewish community on civic, political and communal matters. Over 300 Rabbonim and representatives of Yeshivas, Schools, Shuls and Organizations, encompass the FJCC leadership committee.

(YWN Desk – NYC)