A Thank You To The 71st Precinct – From Crown Heights Shomrim

by CrownHeights.info

There is a lot of negative press and scrutiny published against police departments, but precious little published on all the good they do for the community each day.

This time, Crown Heights Shomrim wants to share with the community a positive experience that took place Wednesday night in Crown Heights, that shows true professionalism on behalf of the NYPD’s 71st Precinct.

Tragically, last night, an elderly Jewish man passed away in Crown Heights. With little family living nearby, weight and responsibility of the tragedy fell onto the shoulders of his equally elderly wife. As she spoke only Russian, the immediate needs were more than she could handle on her own.

Neighbors quickly sprang into action, and were able to provide assistance to the tragedy stricken family. A Russian translator was brought to facilitate communication and provide comfort, as Rabbi Mendy Hershkop, a Crown Heights Shomrim coordinator who lives nearby helped make contact with Mordy Hecht of Chessed Shel Emes, who arrived and provided appropriate Jewish care for the Niftar.

The police arrived next, and while they had the right to be assertive due to the situation, they instead chose to be courteous, gracious and understanding.

“They were very accommodating, just very very polite,” a neighbor said of the experience. “Giving Chessed Shel Emes the room that they needed to do everything that they needed.”

The NYPD Lieutenant, identified as Lieutenant Clark, took control of the response, arranging for a Russian speaking officer to come to the home. The officer spent time speaking with the grieving wife, explaining the process and providing comfort.

“A Thumbs up for the 71st Precinct last night.” Mendy Hershkop told CrownHeights.info. “They were really classy, really professional, and really sensitive, as well as understanding of the asset the community volunteers were providing. It was really nice.”