National Night Out Against Crime is a nationwide evening that brings law enforcement and residents together. Precinct gatherings allow community members to meet officers outside an emergency, building the trust and communication that contribute to safer neighborhoods.
As Queens Shmira’s Community Outreach Coordinator, I personally visited events hosted by the 102nd, 107th, 109th, 111th, and 112th Precincts on Tuesday, August 4. I made the stops on behalf of Queens Shmira to thank the officers and Community Affairs teams with whom we work year-round. Our patrols, events, and hotline calls often cross precinct boundaries, making these relationships essential.
The 107th Precinct gathering at Electchester Shopping Center on Parsons Boulevard was my main stop. The precinct serves Kew Gardens Hills and surrounding neighborhoods, making the event especially important to Queens Shmira and the community I represent.
A New York City proclamation recognized the 43rd annual National Night Out and the NYPD’s work under Commissioner Jessica Tisch to combat crime, gun violence, and other threats to public safety. Community Council President Carolann Foley noted the event strengthens relationships between residents and police while teaching children that officers are there to help.
Recently promoted Deputy Inspector Michael Black-Larkins, commanding officer of the 107th Precinct, credited the gathering’s success to the daily cooperation between officers and residents. “We are a unit,” Black-Larkins said. “We can’t police without your help, and you can’t get the services you need without ours.”
Black-Larkins added that National Night Out should become “an everyday night out” and reminded residents of the precinct’s open-door policy. He described officers, residents, families, and friends as parts of one community.
Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov delivered the evening’s most personal remarks. Marking one year since his 13-year-old daughter, Rachel Aliza Nisanov a”h, was killed in a personal watercraft accident, he offered a heartfelt tefilah for the officers serving under Black-Larkins.
“Coming out depends on us; coming back depends on G-d,” Rabbi Nisanov said. He prayed that officers go out in peace and return safely, that people gather only for happy occasions, and that everyone recognize the goodness in others. Regardless of religion, faith, or creed, he said, everyone is created in Hashem’s image.
Certificates of appreciation were presented to Laura Taylor-O’Boyle and Imam Mohammad Shahidullah, representatives of the Utopia and West Cunningham civic associations, and Scott Campbell. Campbell, owner-operator of the Kew Gardens Hills Dunkin’ Donuts location, donated hundreds of doughnuts for the 107th and 102nd Precinct events. Rabbi Daniel Pollack, clergy liaison to the 102nd Precinct, coordinated both contributions.
Congresswoman Grace Meng highlighted joint efforts to address mail theft and secure support for precinct Explorers, mental-health services, and mobile command units.
Council Member James Gennaro asked the crowd to recognize the 107th Precinct’s round-the-clock service. Recalling his father’s World War II service, he stressed the importance of thanking those who place themselves at risk to protect others.
Assemblymember David Weprin congratulated Black-Larkins on his promotion and praised Foley’s year-round work.
Assemblymember Sam Berger joined officers and community leaders to unveil three new precinct vehicles funded through an allocation he secured.
Calling Foley “the backbone of National Night Out,” Berger thanked his Chief of Staff, Ricky Malone, for helping advance the vehicle grant. Foley noted that after weekend flooding damaged signs and disrupted preparations, Berger and his staff spent several hours helping restore the parking-lot setup.
Community Affairs Officer Kevin McCarthy was honored for 24 years of NYPD service.
At the 102nd Precinct gathering at Victory Field in Forest Park, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards spoke. The precinct color guard and participation of Sikh and Jewish community members reflected the diversity National Night Out brings together.
Rabbi Pollack arranged Bravo’s Pizza as a kosher option, served alongside the doughnuts donated by Campbell. After visiting the gathering serving Kew Gardens and Richmond Hill, Richards continued to the 112th Precinct event in Forest Hills.
On behalf of Queens Shmira, I also stopped at the 109th Precinct event in Flushing and the 112th Precinct gathering at MacDonald Park in Forest Hills. At the 112th, I spent considerable time alongside Queens Shmira Coordinator Avraham Pinkhasov, speaking with local officers and residents.
My final stop was the 111th Precinct gathering at Douglaston Shopping Center. During the final half-hour, I again met Congresswoman Meng and spoke with precinct leadership and Community Council President Jack Fried.
The five visits allowed me to thank the officers who work with Queens Shmira throughout the year. They also strengthened the coordination we rely on when a hotline call, patrol, or community event crosses precinct lines.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
