Roosevelt Island's Former NYPD Officer Says Good Bye To Roosevelt Island Residents Having Served the Community for Over 13 Years

 Image From NY Daily News

As reported last Wednesday, the sole NYPD Officer assigned to cover Roosevelt Island has been transferred and his position will not be replaced by the NYPD's 114th  precinct. Officer Fernandez, who has served Roosevelt Island residents as a Public Safety Officer and then as a NYC Police Officer sends the following message:

After over 13 years of dedicated service to the community of Roosevelt Island, I regret to inform you that I will no longer serve as the 114 Pct. Roosevelt Island Post. This decision was made by me after a series of calls were made to my command requesting a change of scenery. Apparently, two members of the RIRA Public Safety Committee felt they represented the entire community when they stated that there was a need for some "New Blood" on the island. Despite the recent events, it has been a great experience for me, with many friends and memories I will always cherish.

I started as a Public Safety Officer in June 1997. In January 2005, I joined the New York City Police Academy. In July 2005, I was assigned the 114th Pct, working evenings and midnights. By the end of September 2006, two positions opened up at the 114th Pct for the Roosevelt Island Post. I was the only person to actually apply for the spot. Another officer was also assigned as my partner, even though he wasn't seen too often on the island. As they say, it has been history ever since.

I was lucky enough to work alongside some great officers over the years. As a rookie in Public Safety, I learned to take bits of advice from each officer. Jimmy Knapp taught me a lot, but one of his best lessons for me was to treat everyone equally. Alan Wright taught me that everyone was allowed one bad day. He taught me not to take things personally if someone acted out, that they may just be going through a very difficult set of circumstances on that particular day. Alex Sefakakis taught me how to patrol the buildings diligently. These were all lessons to help me do my job correctly. I have always felt I learned the fundamentals for being a good Community Police Officer as a Public Safety Officer.

Over the last 13 years there have only been 6 officers sporadically posted on Roosevelt Island. In the mid 90s, it was Officer Sinnott, now a retired detective. In the late 90s it was Officer Muster, who could usually be seen riding a small NYPD Yamaha scooter. He is now a Sergeant. In the early 2000's, it was Officer Flippen, who transferred to the 111th Pct. Some time later in the early 2000s, for a brief time, it was Officer Luizzo, who could be seen patrolling on a bicycle on the seawalls or on foot in the buildings. Several years passed until Officer Sydlo and I were posted here in late September, 2006. I remained constant, and my productivity and supervisor’s evaluations reflect that.

It was a pleasure to be given the opportunity to work on Roosevelt Island all these years. I have tried to do my job to the best of my ability. I feel James Fry put it best in March 2002; “He always tried to do a simple, straightforward, conscientious, professional job, with no fanfare and no publicity.” Roosevelt Island residents that consider me a friend; know that I have always been quite approachable and a good listener. I have always gone above and beyond to help others with their problems.

I have completed six years of service with the NYPD and now have enough “time on the job” to move my career in a different direction. I will be accepting a position within the 114th Pct, which will further my career in the path I have decided to take it in. It is not likely that my position here will be filled, as every precinct in New York City is experiencing a staffing shortage. There is also the belief that working alone is a safety concern. Roosevelt Island will, and always has been covered as a sector of the 114 Pct.

So, to those who made the phone calls containing false allegations, I say, “Your malicious attempts to taint an officer’s career ended up doing a disservice to the community you were supposedly representing.” To those that appreciated me being here, I say “It was a pleasure to serve you.” Good luck in the future. In closing, I’d also like to thank the members of the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department, Director Keith Guerra, and Deputy Director Renee Bryan for their hospitality, camaraderie and support. I will sincerely miss you all. 

I wish Officer Fernandez the best of luck in his new assignment and thank him for his service.