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71st Precinct to get New Commanding Officer

Crown Heights is getting a new commanding officer for the 71st Precinct. Later this week Deputy Inspector John Lewis will be replaced by Deputy Inspector George Fitzgibbon from the 69th Precinct.

CrownHeights.info has learned that later this week the NYPD will be announcing the appointment of a new Commanding Officer for the 71st Precinct. The current commander, D.I. John Lewis, will be take up a new position of Chief of Brooklyn School Safety.

Replacing Lewis will be Deputy Inspector George Fitzgibbon from the 69th Precinct, which covers the Canarsie section of Brooklyn.

For many this change seems very abrupt and surprising since Inspector Lewis has only been in the 71st for about a year and a half. Inspector Lewis took charge of the command in April of 2012, trail blazing and making great inroads by always being on the street and close to the community.

“if they can’t see you then how can they know you,” Lewis told CrownHeights.info back in August while meeting community leaders. It was this unique policing style and aggressive attitude against crime that made him one of the 71st Precinct’s more beloved commanders.

Video of Inspector Fitzgibbon introducing himself to the residents to the 69th Precinct in 2011:

Deputy Inspector John Lewis at the 71st Annual Family Day Picnic with Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and Brooklyn South Chief Thomas Chan.
Deputy Inspector John Lewis at the 71st Annual Family Day Picnic with Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and Brooklyn South Chief Thomas Chan.
inspector lewis r bogomilsky
Deputy Inspector John Lewis meeting with Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky.
inspector lewis pct meeting
Deputy Inspector John Lewis at a Precinct Council Meeting.
inspector lewis street
Deputy Inspector John Lewis always present on the streets.
inspector lewis award
Deputy Inspector John Lewis receiving an award for his help with the Lag BaOmer Parade.

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8 Comments

  • Timing

    The timing of this announcement is a little funny, just a few days before the Kinus Hashluchim…. Either-way Inspector Lewis, it was great having you here as our C.O. and we all wish you much success on you way up and up in the ranks of the NYPD!

  • Smells

    This smells. Did someone have a problem that he was doing a good job? What is the agenda behind this move?

  • Ma Rabbi

    Lewis is doing an excellent job.
    Our representatives should use their clout to keep Inspector Lewis in Crown Heights.

  • Mendy Hershkop

    Inspector Lewis is a great cop, he is the definition of courtesy, professionalism, and respect. A real Mentsch that treated everyone with respect and fought crime with tenacity.