By COLlive reporter
Photos: Chaim Ezagui
A full representation of local elected officials and New York Police brass were on hand at the most recent meeting of the 71st Precinct Community Council.
The occasion was a ceremony to honor a police officer shot in the line of duty, his partner, and the off-duty EMS personnel who came to the aid of the injured police officer after a shooting in Crown Heights a few weeks ago.
Rookie Officer James Li, 26, and his partner Randy Chow had been on routine patrol at the corner of Empire Boulevard and Utica Avenue when they spotted two men entering the back door of a B46 bus without paying.
After the officers removed the suspects from the bus, one of the men pulled out a gun and turned on the officers. Officer Li was hit in both legs, though thankfully he was not permanently injured.
EMTs Shaun Alexander and Khadijah Hall were in the vicinity and immediately cared for the injured officer while Officer Chow called for help and pursued the assailant, who was eventually apprehended.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, himself a former police officer praised the men’s bravery and the quick reaction of the Medical Personnel.
Also speaking at the event in praise of the officers and the medics were Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson and New York City Council Members Laurie Cumbo, Darlene Mealy, and Mathew Eugene.
Also in attendance were the Commanding officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South Chief Owen Monaghan and a representative of Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.
All of the speakers mentioned their appreciation that the ceremony is commemorating the happy conclusion with the officer looking forward to a full recovery and the arrest of the alleged perpetrator.
Rounding out the program was Commanding Officer of the 71st Precinct, Deputy Inspector George Fitzgibbon who also echoed the praise of the prior speakers as well as presenting his monthly report on police activity in the community.
The meeting was chaired by the President of the Precinct Community Council Karl Cohen.
One of the best meetings that this organization has held, you actually realize the meseras nefesh of the NYPD have and the importance of hakoras hatov. Its easy to notice the mistakes that are sometimes made and how much more so to acknowledge the bravery.In this case, the EMT’s that ran to the scene were also honored and this was very much appreciated by their commissioner.