Scores of Canarsie residents turned out for the monthly meeting of the 69th Precinct Community Council on Tuesday, September 27th, at St. Albans Episcopal Church, located at 9408 Farragut Road.
Commanding Officer of the 69th Precinct Captain Khandakar Abdullah welcomed everyone, then introduced a “special guest,” Assistant Chief Michael Kemper, Commanding Officer, Patrol Borough Brooklyn South. “Chief Kemper is a man I have grown to admire and respect. I learned so much working for him. I thank him for his guidance, leadership and tenacious pursuits of perfection,” Abdullah said.
Chief Kemper expressed his delight in being at the 69th Precinct. “This is a coming home of sorts,” he said. “My family is from Canarsie and I grew up around here.” He spoke with pride of the relationship between the “tight-knit” Canarsie community and the 69th Precinct and commended all on the great turnout. “Forums like these are excellent opportunities for you to interact with the leadership of the precinct,” he stated. He also announced that in the very near future, NYPD and leadership from all City agencies would be getting together in community meetings “like this” and work together to fix problems.
The chief reported that while shootings and murders in the 69th Precinct were down, regrettably, property crimes were still rampant. He was pleased to comment on the actions of two officers, Darren Zhumi and Natalia Kim, whose quick thinking resulted in the apprehension of a suspect and taking another gun off the street.
“They’re great officers and I commend them for their actions,” Captain Abdullah stated, of Zhumi and Kim, who were named Cops of the Month.
“Officer Zhumi is a good example of what cops do. Fortunately, no one was shot. He did an excellent job,” Kemper added. Officer Kim was not present at the meeting.
Chief Kemper also recognized two members of the Community Council, Treasurer Yolaine Ridore and Lucina Clarke, for their service to the community, organizing National Night Out and especially their work with young children.
The Council presented Kemper with a plaque which read, “On behalf of the 69th Precinct Community Council and the 69th Precinct Officers and the Canarsie community, we welcome you and present this to you for your many years of service to the Police Department in Canarsie.”
During the Q&A that followed, many seized the opportunity to air their grievances. One resident complained about those who practice ‘the oldest profession.’ “They’re growing in numbers and becoming more brazen,” he griped. Others vented about loud music after hours and abandoned vehicles on the street, something the chief acknowledged was “by far, the number one complaint” they receive. “Those vehicles will be gone tonight!” Kemper vowed to the delight of many.
Captain Abdullah expressed his gratitude to the elected officials, auxiliary officers, NCOs and Explorers for their invaluable support and, in particular, Community Affairs Officer Samuel Maria.
