The NYPD’s promotion ceremony at One Police Plaza this past Tuesday, November 25 was filled with pride, honor, and emotion, but one moment stood out above the rest: watching Community Affairs Officer Nicholas A. Skomina rise to the rank of Detective. For so many of us who have been lucky enough to know Nick and work alongside him, this wasn’t just another promotion on a long list of names. It was a deeply personal milestone for a man who has poured his heart into serving New York City and its diverse communities.
Nick has always been the kind of officer who shows up with sincerity. For years, he worked closely with Deputy Chief Richie Taylor, becoming a quiet force behind countless community programs, safety initiatives, and moments of connection between the NYPD and neighborhoods across the city. In Jewish communities especially, Nick became a steady presence—someone who understood our sensitivities, our rhythms, our needs, and the value of respectful partnership. His kindness wasn’t a strategy; it was simply who he was.
Standing in the audience as Queens Shmira‘s Community Outreach Coordinator, I watched Nick step forward to accept this new title in a genuinely moving moment. The ceremony had its formality and its grandeur, but the most powerful sight was Nick surrounded by his family. Meeting his father, mother, and brother was a privilege. Their pride wasn’t loud; it was the kind you feel instantly—a quiet, heartfelt reflection of the dedication, late nights, and unspoken sacrifices that every police family knows so well. You could see just how much this achievement meant to them, and how deeply they have stood behind Nick throughout his journey.
As the ceremony closed with the words of “G-d Bless America, my home sweet home,” the moment felt almost poetic. Here was an officer who has lived the very motto the NYPD holds dear—courtesy, professionalism, and respect—now stepping into a role that will only amplify the good he already does. Nick embodies the best of what community policing should be: real relationships, real understanding, and real commitment.
Mazel Tov to Detective Nick Skomina. May this next chapter bring him continued success, protection from Above, and the strength to keep serving with the heart, humility, and integrity that brought him to this moment. New York City is fortunate to have him—and our community is even more blessed to call him a friend.
