Staten Island Celebrates National Night Out Against Crime at Turtle Circle at Midland Beach

Turtle Circle at Midland Beach was fill of excitement and joy as droves of Staten Islanders joined the NYPD to celebrate the National Night Out Against Crime. Mendy Mirocznik, president, Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations, (COJO), and Ari Weiss, COJO security chairman and coordinator, Staten Island Shomrim, represented COJO at this important event.

“National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships to help make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. It seeks to strengthen the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, fostering a true sense of community. Fortunately, this year as world has emerged from the darkness of Covid we were able to once again appreciate and enjoy National Day Out Against Crime,” stated Chief Gin Yee, Staten Island Borough Commander.

“We were once again fortunate to enjoy barbeque and bounce houses, face painting, food, and fun. Meet leaders and personnel from the local precincts and interact with neighbors, community members, and local businesses with the common goal of partnership and safety,” something that we should never take for granted and always cherish and look forward to,” remarked, Deputy Chief Terence Hurson, executive officer, of Patrol Borough Staten Island.

“The wonderful weather together with the scenic view of the ocean at the promenade was the perfect setting for 2022’s National Night Out Against Crime. The crowd was happy and the boardwalk came alive. People enjoyed the ability to catch up with old friends and to make new friends and enjoy each other’s company. 

The excitement of the children enhanced the activities. Police, fire and the other first responders on scene took the time to explain how to have a safe, more secure community. The emotions where strong as people thronged together with a vison of world healing after the darkness of Covid. “This truly is a giant quantum leap in stimulating and helping Staten Island move forward in a positive direction full of hope and optimism. Words cannot express our deep gratitude that we have for the NYPD for organizing this outstanding event. We pray that we should be on the right track to fully bounce back from the pandemic and tonight is a strong testimony that we are getting closer to accomplish this important societal goal. Thank you NYPD that despite the cold environment and the challenges the pandemic and its aftermath presented you remained true to the public which you serve. We at COJO will always remember and cherish the tough moments when you stood strong and watched over the city who relies on you. In no small measure it is thanks to your determination and commitment to public safety that we as a city will overcome the difficulties and public safety challenges we face. You truly dare to care” so said, Mendy Mirocznik, COJO, president.

Commissioner Keechant Sewell, expressed her, “deep sense of pride in seeing how the Staten Island community has come together in making this day momentous. Let us remember it is the clergy, community leaders and civic organizations that have banded together and have partnered with the NYPD in facing the covid challenges. This coming together was the backbone in getting through the tough times. The NYPD looks forward to further enhancing these relationships…I cannot thank organizations such as the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations, their great leadership team, Mendy Mirocznik, Scott Maurer and Ari Weiss for being an example of great civic organization who truly cares. It is more than the food, resources or assistance that you provide. It is the optimism and friendship that COJO has helped to accomplish. I truly am proud of your important noble altruistic work and the NYPD looks forward to further collaboration and building on this foundation of friendship.”

A highlight of the event was an appearance by New York City Mayor Eric Adams. He was joined on stage by borough elected officials, local community leaders and other NYPD brass, and delivered a strong message to the participants. Mayor Eric Adams remarked, “gun violence does not ask what block you live on,” Adams said. “Our city won’t surrender to violence.” “The bad guys think they are winning,’' he continued. “That’s why we have National Night Out Against Crime. We’re saying to the bad guys: ‘You don’t win, we win.’”