NYPD Chief of Department Rodney Harrison Retiring Dec. 30, 2021

 

Led in Several Key Positions, Including as First African American Chief of Detectives

 Police Commissioner Dermot Shea announced today that Rodney Harrison, a 30-year-veteran of the New York City Police Department who is currently the Department’s highest-ranking uniformed officer as the 41st Chief of Department, will be retiring on December 30, 2021.

Chief Harrison’s decision means he will be capping a three-decade-long career in the NYPD that began in June of 1991. Born and raised in the City of New York, he grew up in Rochdale Village in Jamaica, Queens, where, at the urging of his father, he came to view a career in law enforcement as an opportunity to create positive change for residents across New York City. He has dedicated his life to making the city safer and, after being shot at by a violent narcotics dealer while working undercover in the mid-1990’s, was awarded the Departmental Combat Cross for extraordinary heroism.

Harrison is the only Member of the Service who has risen from the rank of Cadet to Chief of Department. In January 2018, he became the Chief of Patrol, managing over 20,000 Members of the Service while implementing the NYPD’s Neighborhood Policing philosophy across all operational commands. In December 2019, incoming Police Commissioner Shea tapped him to become the Chief of Detectives, making him the first African American to hold that title. As the Chief of Detectives, Chief Harrison directed the investigations of crimes during one of the most violent years New York City has experienced in decades.

Earlier this year, Chief Harrison was named Chief of Department, where he oversaw CompStat, directed and coordinated recovery efforts after last year’s sustained protests, and coordinated with community leaders to improve relationships while the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak continued to impact residents of this city.

“Rodney has been not only a trusted advisor, and friend, but exactly the kind of innovative leader our city and our department has needed in these challenging times,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. “He has performed in every rank – from patrol officer, to undercover officer displaying tremendous valor, to Chief of Department – with knowledge, skill, integrity, and a great passion for our continuing mission to always protect life and property and to build lasting relationships with those we serve. We will miss him, but we wish him well.”

Chief Harrison is deep-rooted in the NYPD. His wife is a retried NYPD lieutenant. Two of their adult daughters, Amber and Tyra, were recently sworn in as uniformed members of the New York City Police Department and are assigned as Patrol Officers on our city’s streets.

“I’m extremely proud to have worked tirelessly, over my entire career, protecting people and giving back to the city’s communities,” said Chief Harrison. “It’s been an honor to be a part of this great police department, to carry out our intelligence-driven policing strategies, to help develop several lasting reforms, and to build meaningful dialogue with our city’s young people. And I am privileged that two of my children will carry on this important work.”

About Chief of Department Rodney Harrison

Chief Rodney Harrison has served as the Chief of Department since early 2021. He was appointed the Chief of Department position after serving, since December 2019, as the Department’s Chief of Detectives, becoming the first African American officer in the department’s more than 175-year history to serve in that integral investigative position. Prior to that, Chief Harrison served as the Chief of the Patrol Services Bureau where he oversaw the implementation of the Department’s Neighborhood Policing. Chief Harrison began his career with the NYPD as a police cadet in June 1991. A year later, he became a police officer and patrolled the 114th Precinct in Astoria, Queens. In 1994, he was assigned to the Narcotics division. Harrison was awarded the NYPD Combat Cross and was promoted to Detective in 1995. He later worked in various commands in Patrol Borough Brooklyn South and Patrol Borough Brooklyn North—including in the 71 Detective Squad, 73 Detective Squad and 73 Precinct—and in Patrol Borough Bronx. He served as executive officer of 47 Precinct. He has also served as commanding officer of the 28 and 32 Precincts. Harrison was promoted to Deputy Chief while serving in the Internal Affairs Bureau and then held assignments in Patrol Borough Staten Island and Patrol Borough Brooklyn North. He then became the Chief of Detectives of Brooklyn North, overseeing all investigations, before being appointed Chief of Patrol.

35 Days and Counting

 

My good friend Assemblyman Michael Benedetto. Boy am I going to miss you Mike, maybe I can give you an appointment as a commissioner when I become Governor. David Patterson, I mean Kathy Hochul, I don't know why I keep saying that, unless it is that both David Paterson and Kathy Hochul were never elected governor of New York State. 

Back to where I was, Mike it looks like you are going to get that primary in 2022 that you were afraid of getting. Are you going to be the next Joe Crowley or Jeff Klein? At least you have the Bronx Democratic Party that will help you, but you went against the Bronx Democratic Party in endorsing the parties candidate for 13th City Council District's opponent. This year the rule is going to be every incumbent for themselves, as most are not going to be endorsed by the Bronx Democratic Party. Don't worry mike, we can run as a team De Blasio/Benedetto.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - NOVEMBER 27, 2021

 

Requires Nursing Homes and Adult Care Facilities to Make Booster Doses Available to Residents  

58,597 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours    

 67 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Over the Last Two Days 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.    

"With the emergence of the Omicron variant abroad and warning signs of spikes in cases this winter, the need for basic COVID safety procedures here in New York is more important than ever," Governor Hochul said. "If you've been waiting to get vaccinated, there's no better time to get your first shot. If you're eligible to get your booster, get it as soon as possible. And as always, make sure to follow basic pandemic safety measures like wearing a mask and washing your hands with soap and water." 

As part of ongoing efforts to ramp up booster distribution, Governor Hochul is now requiring New York State nursing home and adult care facility operators and administrators to make booster doses available to all of their residents.

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

*Increase since data was last reported on Thursday, Nov. 25.

• Test Results Reported - 91,415
• Total Positive - 4,326
• Percent Positive - 4.73% 
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.95% 
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,696 (+113)*
• Patients Newly Admitted - 637* 
• Patients in ICU - 513 (+4)*
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 280 (+34)*
• Total Discharges - 214,686 (+440)*
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 67
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 46,412

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only. 

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 59,069

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings. 

• Total vaccine doses administered - 29,554,705
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 58,597
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 563,937
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 85.7% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 78.2% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 90.3%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 80.5% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 73.9% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 66.3% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 77.5% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 68.2%
  

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - NOVEMBER 26, 2021

 

56,353 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours

28 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

Due to Thanksgiving Holiday, Numbers Marked with Asterisks Were Not Submitted Yesterday; Update of These Numbers Will Resume Today and be Reflected in Tomorrow's Release, November 27.

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

"With the emergence of the new Omicron COVID-19 variant, it is crucial that we continue to use the tools that we know help prevent the spread of this deadly virus: wear masks indoors, wash our hands, and utilize the greatest weapon we have to keep ourselves safe - the vaccine," Governor Hochul said. "The vaccine is safe, effective, and free. It's readily available statewide. If you haven't gotten yours yet, get it as soon as you can. If you're in need of your second dose or your booster, you can get those for no cost, too. Take every precaution you can to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this winter." 

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

·         Test Results Reported - 182,644

·         Total Positive - 6,295
·         Percent Positive - 3.45%

·         7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.82%
·         Patient Hospitalization - 2,583 (0) *
·         Patients Newly Admitted - 371 *
·         Patients in ICU - 509 (0) *
·         Patients in ICU with Intubation - 246 (0) *
·         Total Discharges - 214,246 (0) *
·         New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 28 *
·         Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 46,343 *

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.

·         Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 59,069

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.

·         Total vaccine doses administered - 29,496,108
·         Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 56,353
·         Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 627,575
·         Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 85.6%
·         Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 78.2%
·         Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 90.3%
·         Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 80.5%
·         Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 73.9%
·         Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 66.2%
·         Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 77.5%
·         Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 68.2%2

 

Two New York Men Arrested for Assault on Law Enforcement During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

  Three New York men have been arrested for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

 Gregory Purdy, 23, of Hopewell Junction, and his uncle, Robert Turner, 39, of Poughkeepsie, are charged with felony offenses of civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers, among other charges. Purdy’s brother, Matthew Purdy, 22, also of Hopewell Junction, is charged with misdemeanor offenses. Gregory and Matthew Purdy were arrested on Nov. 10, 2021, and Robert Turner was arrested on Nov. 22, 2021. All were released pending further proceedings.

 According to court documents, video footage shows Gregory Purdy, his brother, and Turner amongst a group standing outside the U.S. Capitol, opposite a group of officers attempting to protect the building. At approximately 2:01 p.m., the footage shows Gregory Purdy and Turner in a crowd pushing the police line, and both make contact with police. Purdy, his brother, and Turner entered the Capitol at approximately 2:13 p.m. and remained there for at least a few minutes. A little over an hour later, Gregory Purdy is seen on video footage telling officers outside the Capitol, “We’re on the same team. You don’t have to take these orders.” Gregory Purdy later said, “Are you guys going to let us in or are we gonna have to push in?” At various times, he appeared to wave others in the crowd behind him to move forward. At approximately 3:30p.m., he yelled to the crowd, “Guys, we all gotta  go at once.” He then counted down from ten to one, Upon reaching one, he ran forward into an officer and pushed his way past the police line. Turner also ran forward and pushed against officers.

This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California and the Southern District of New York.

 The case is being investigated by the FBI’s New York, Los Angeles, and Washington Field Offices. Assistance was provided by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police.

 In the ten months since Jan. 6, more than 675 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 210 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

 Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

The charges contained in any criminal complaint or indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

36 Days and Counting

 

I hope everyone enjoyed the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. We worked hard to bring it to you a close as it was pre-pandemic. We are on the road to Recovery, and we will have Time Square fully open for New Years Eve for when the ball drops, and I am no longer your Mayor. 

It's amazing that we have the NYPD taking off the streets a record number of guns, but the number of shootings and shooting victims increase every day, especially in the Bronx. Commissioner Shea, did we do any intense gun warfare in the Bronx like we did in the other four boroughs? Well at least we did not break the fact that the Bronx is last in anything good, and first in anything bad. I'll let Mayor Adams worry about that, like all the other problems the city has, let's party. 

Councilman Mark Gjonaj's NYC Moving Forward Week in Review - 11/26/2021

 

Dear Friends,

I hope you and your families are doing well as we just passed Thanksgiving, a day to stop, reflect on the many ways in which the community inspires us to be thankful and give back, as we finished our largest turkey giveaway in District 13.

Tomorrow November 27th is Small Business Saturday, an annual holiday that celebrates small businesses and encourages consumers to shop locally at the start of the holiday shopping season. As Chair of NYC Council Small Business Committee, I encourage everyone to shop small, patronize the small independent shops and businesses in our community, help support local economies that are the backbone of our City.

This week we held a joint hearing with the NYC Council Committee on Technology, chaired by Council Member Robert Holden focused on the film industry’s impact on the NYC’s economy, city residents, and small businesses. While we thank the film industry for choosing NYC, small businesses are obviously at the center of what makes this city great. Blocking a small business’s visibility, closing down a street or not giving them enough notice can be a hindrance to daily small business operations. Let’s be considerate of those needs first and allow them both to thrive together.

On a different legislative note, NYC Council Housing and Resiliency committees tackled waterfront resiliency and heard my bill Intro 2189 that would initiate a feasibility study into moving remaining above-ground power underground. Whereas Manhattan moved their power lines completely underground over a century ago, the rest of the city lags behind, leaving their power vulnerable to storms and evincing the “tale of two cities” narrative that so consistently rings true. We cannot allow such disproportionate impact and my bill gets the ball rolling towards more equitable and just storm resiliency infrastructure.

With the end of the year festivities approaching I am glad to sponsor Menorah Lightings and Christmas Tree Lightings around the district.

Please remember we are here for you, contact my office with issues or concerns at 718-931-1721 or email at MGjonaj@council.nyc.gov.

In honor of Albanian Independence Day coming up this weekend, I am proud to continue a tradition I started 12 years ago lining Albanian and American Flags around the Bronx and wish all Albanian Americans a Happy Flag Day!

Sincerely,

NYC Councilman Mark Gjonaj

District 13, Bronx

As of August 17, Key to NYC — proof of Covid vaccination is required for entry into bars, restaurants, fitness gyms, movie and stage theatres, museums and other indoor venues. There are multiple ways to show proof of vaccination such as hard copy of CDC vaccination card, NYC COVID Safe App, NYS Excelsior App, Official vaccine record, A photo or hard copy of an official vaccination record of a vaccine administered outside the US for the following vaccines: AstraZeneca/SK Bioscience, Serum Institute of India/COVISHIELD and Vaxzevria, Sinopharm, or Sinovac. Visit nyc.gov/keytonyc to find additional resources for businesses, including printable copies of required signage, a Key to NYC Pass checklist, FAQs, and more.

Permits Filed For 2670 Schurz Avenue In Throgs Neck, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a three-story residential building at 2670 Schurz Avenue in Throgs Neck, The Bronx. Located between Buttrick Avenue and Davis Avenue, the waterfront lot is within walking distance of Ferry Point Park. Peter Serpico of Vertical Community Development is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 26-foot-tall development will yield 18,098 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 24 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 754 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, a 30-foot-long rear yard, and 36 enclosed parking spaces.

Manhattan-based Marin Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in August for a two-story residential building on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.