Misaskim Van in Leiby’s Memory

On Monday, September 19, 2011, Misaskim hosted an acknowledgment ceremony to honor the recent promotions of Chief Joseph Fox, Chief Thomas Chan, and Chief William Aubry of the New York City Police Department.

Chief Fox became the new Chief of Transit for the City of New York, Assistant Chief Thomas Chan was transferred to Commanding Officer Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, while William Aubry was moved up to become Deputy Chief of the Forensic Investigations Divisions.

In addition to the distinguished guests from the New York City Police Department, various elected officials attended the ceremony as well, including Councilman David Greenfield and Councilman Michael Nelson. Representatives from the offices of State Senator Eric Adams, Congresswoman Yvette Clark, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, and State Senator Diane Savino joined as well.

Many community organizations including Hatzolah, Shomrim, Chaverim, JCRC, and representatives from Maimonides Medical Center came to offer their congratulations.

Noramie Jasmin, the Mayor of Spring Valley, and Police Chief Paul Modica of Spring Valley also attended the ceremony. Both these officials came specifically to observe positive community relationships in action, since their township is growing and the needs of the Jewish community are also growing at a rapid pace.

The evening began with an emotional address by Mr. Nachmun Kletzky, father of Leiby Kletzky a”h. Mr. Kletzky expressed shevach to Hashem for giving him the strength to cope each day. He continued by thanking the law-enforcement community for its “extraordinary dedication and compassion that restored our faith in humanity.”

Two new Misaskim vehicles were also commissioned at the ceremony. One of the vehicles was donated leilui nishmas Leiby Kletzky a”h. The dedication statement read, “A beloved child remembered forever throughout the nation.” This vehicle symbolizes the unity that resulted from the Kletzky tragedy. It will enable Misaskim to continue to unite the many varying communities in the tri-state area that it assists each day.

Councilman David Greenfield warmly welcomed Chief Chan to Brooklyn South. He praised Chief Chan and took special note of his exemplary efforts in the area of public safety. “He has the respect and admiration of all his colleagues,” Greenfield told the audience.

Chief Chan graciously thanked the community for the phenomenal welcome he received. “You’ve opened up your hearts, your arms, and welcomed me in as family,” he said. The Chief went on to stress the important impact that a strong community can exert. “Community is always the cornerstone,” he remarked. “The police cannot do its job without the assistance of the community.”

Chief Fox congratulated Chief Chan and described him as “a decent, gracious person who cares about people. He’s good at what he does. He’s sincere and the combination doesn’t get better than that for success.” He also thanked the members of the community who worked together with him during his tenure of 11 years. Chief Fox remembered the positive things that had happened in the community and also told the audience that he would never forget the seven of his officers who died in the line of duty under his command. Finally, Chief Fox said that he would always remember the date of his 30th anniversary with the NYPD – it was the same day on which Leiby was found. Chief Fox concluded with the meaningful words, “I will never forget Leiby.”