NYPD Chief Frank Vega, Staten Island Borough Commander Discuss Community Security Needs

On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, NYPD Chief Frank Vega, Staten Island Borough Commander, together with Lt. Rafet Awad, Commanding Officer, Community Affairs, Patrol Borough Staten Island met with Staten Island Grand Rabbi HaRav Tzvi Pollcak, the Grossvardein Rav and his son HaRav Chaim Yehuda Pollack, Rosh Kollel of the Willowbrook Community Kollel at Agudas Shomrei Hadas, the Grossvardein Shul to discuss the current situation of anti-Semitism and the security needs of the Jewish Community. Mendy Mirocznik, President of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO) and Ari Weiss, Chairman of the COJO Security Committee and Coordinator of the Staten Island Shomrim attended the meeting. The meeting was set up and coordinated by COJO.

Chief Vega and Lt. Awad were given by HaRav Chaim Yehuda Pollack a grand tour of the Willowbrook Community Kollel and Agudas Shomrei Hadas. “What impresses me the most is the learning and faith of the young scholars at the Kollel and the fervor and prayer of the worshipers at the Synagogue. Although, we are living in challenging times and there is an uptick in anti-Semitism and hate Rabbi Pollack’s students and congregants are committed to their faith and are exemplary citizens which is remarkable. I am truly impressed how the community takes security seriously and understands the need to maintain safety, proper public worship and respect for tradition. I truly am impressed,” remarked Chief Vega.

HaRav Tzvi Pollack explained how, “the community supports the police and prays for their safety. We pray that the A-Mighty protect them and they return safely to their families. What impressed me the most is that Chief Frank Vega, Staten Island’s number one police officer, the Borough Commander together with Lt. Rafet Awad, the Commanding Officer of Community Affairs, took the time to discuss with the community our security needs, and even toured our facilities to make certain we are safe. This commitment to public safety is truly impressive and commendable and Chief Vega and Lt. Awad added creditability and confidence with the community. To this end, I thank Mendy Mirocznik, COJO President and Ari Weiss, Chairman, COJO Security Committee and Coordinator of Staten Island Shomrim for their great outreach work with the NYPD, Chief Vega and Lt. Awad. This open line of communication is the key and we as a community rely on it and we are fortunate that we have this relationship.”

“I credit COJO’s leadership team, it was the hard work of Mendy Mirocznik and Ari Weiss that established this relationship. From food distribution to security forums, COJO is there as a model agency and civic organization committed to public safety and making Staten Island a better place for all its residents,” remarked Chief Vega.

Mendy Mirocznik stated, “what is unique about Staten Island is our culture of respecting everyone and communicating with everyone and taking the time and having the respect and  patients to diligently understand the needs of the community. Besides being in contact with Chief Vega and Lt. Awad who take  the community’s concerns seriously and address them appropriately they impressively are hands on and tackle the situation(s) and come with an appropriate plan based upon their own interactions and personal observations. This truly is policing at its finest. COJO cherishes, values and appreciates this relationship and through this relationship we are confident that as a team we will get through the challenges we currently are facing. This truly is an example of police and community working together for the common good of all people. We truly are fortunate to have in Staten Island Chief Vega and Lt. Awad. We cannot thank you enough. We want you to know that your commitment and dedication to public safety does not go unnoticed and unrecognized. Your efforts are positively noted, valued and appreciated. Thank you for who you are and keep up the great police work.”

Names in Pictures

Picture (1) Around the table, left to right, Ari Weiss, chairman, COJO Security Committee, and coordinator, Staten Island Shomrim; Mendy Mirocznik, president, COJO;  HaRav Tzvi Pollack, the Grossvardein Rav; HaRav Chaim Yehuda Pollack, Rosh Kollel, Willowbrook Community Kollel; Chief Frank Vega, NYPD, Staten Island Borough commander; and Lt. Rafet Awad, commanding officer, Patrol Borough Staten Island

Picture (2) Standing left to right, Ari Weiss, chairman, COJO Security Committee, and coordinator, Staten Island Shomrim; Mendy Mirocznik, president, COJO; HaRav Tzvi Pollack, the Grossvardein Rav; Chief Frank Vega, NYPD, Staten Island Borough commander; HaRav Chaim Yehuda Pollack, Rosh Kollel, Willowbrook Community Kollel; and Lt. Rafet Awad, commanding officer, Patrol Borough Staten Island