COJO Offers Best Wishes and Congratulates to NYPD Chief Frank Vega on his Retirement Marking an Illustrious Carrier and Distinguished Service as a Member of New York’s Finest

On Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at the offices of Patrol Borough Staten Island, (PBSI) the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations celebrated the retirement of the venerable Chief Frank Vega, the beloved, admired and highly respected Staten Island Borough Commander.  

Mendy Mirocznik, president of COJO said, “Chief Frank Vega was no ordinary officer and no ordinary friend. He was a true gentleman and an officers officer. He was the embodiment, personification, and a shining example of what a police officer strives to become. His near 33 years of public service as a beloved member of New York’s finest is a tale of what a positive and powerful impact a person can make on the NYPD, the City of New York, and Staten Island. 

Chief Vega served from the ground up and he capped off his illustrious career as the Commanding Officer of PBSI. In this capacity, Chief Vega served with the same respect, dignity, and honor as he did with all assignments he had during his rich tenure at the NYPD. As Staten Island’s top COP, Chief Vega rose to the unexpected curves and challenges unanticipated nor forecasted. Chief Vega perhaps witnessed since his arrival in 2019 as the Staten Island Borough Commander police activity that no police officer was trained to handle and no Manuel existed to give guidance. Policing witnessed the unprecedented and unpredicted novel pandemic and urban upheaval and rioting. Sadly enough, when Chief Vega began as the Staten Island Borough Commander, the shameful ugly face of Anti-Semitism, hate and bigotry hit the Island. I remember joining Chief Vega and our elected officials as we marched in solidarity against the posting of Anti-Semitic fliers, and I fondly recall standing on the steps of Staten Island Borough Hall joined together with Former Borough President Jimmy Oddo and District Attorney Michael E. McMahon protesting this evil spike of anti-Semitism, hate and bigotry. But what set the message strong was Chief Vega’s towering presence, public pledge, and commitment warning those that may have an intention or a thought of committing a hate crime to be aware that such mischief and criminal activity will not be tolerated under his watch and that the officers under his command will take all measures to apprehend and bring to justice all those involved with such crimes. This commitment to public safety is what made the difference. The public knowledge, trust and confidence that the NYPD cares and will not sit still when crime occurs.”  

Mirocznik, added, “Chief Vega was not specially trained to handle these difficult, unprecedented  and dreadful police challenges and no officer for that matter was prepared to handle what perhaps was the coldest period ever in the history of policing. Understanding that, Staten Island was fortunate, and we did not experience rioting, looting or major crimes throughout Chief Vega’s service as borough Commander. Chief Vega was always collaborating with Ari Weiss, COJO, security chair and coordinator of Staten Island Shomrim, Scott Maurer, COJO, CEO and executive vice-president and with Iva Reuven COJO, Service Committee chair. The multiple and ongoing food distributions, PPE, and resource giveaways that the Chief participated in made the difference. Not only did Chief Vega coordinate the traffic with Ari Weiss he together with the officers under his command personally packed and helped distributed food and the much-needed relief packages. This hands-on approach and his creative ingenuity, acumen and warm heart is what got us through the dark days of Covid. His unique ability not to give up, his perseverance and love for the public was his secret weapon and boy did it work. Chief Vega on behalf of COJO we say thank you and wish you the best in your retirement. You truly leave as a credit to the department. We wish you the best of health and many years of joy and happiness. You will be sorely missed, and you truly are a class act difficult and near impossible to follow.”

Chief Vega thanked Mendy Mirocznik, Ari Weiss, Scott Maurer, and Iva Reuven for their friendship. “My job as Staten Island’s Borough Commander was made easier thanks to COJO and these fine community leaders. Having the knowledge that COJO was always available at any hour at my call made the difference. The resources and assistance and their cooperation helped build a strong partnership with the NYPD and this positive venture built strong public trust and confidence. I am proud of what the NYPD achieved with COJO. I am delighted that I helped cultivate this relationship through working with organizations such as COJO in bringing the best out in people. As I embark on my next  journey in life as I say farewell to a job I love, I wish my colleagues in law enforcement the best and I know they will succeed thanks to organizations such as COJO. Be safe and please COJO continue your tremendous service to Staten Island.”