The Manhattan Times

33rd Police Precinct council honors Chief Raymond Diaz

by Daniel P. Bader

The 33rd Police Precinct Community Council officially thanked former Manhattan North Chief Raymond Diaz for the time the Northern Manhattan native served as the area’s top cop on Dec. 9.

Diaz was presented with a plaque by the 33rd Precinct Community Council and proclamations from City Council Member Robert Jackson and State Senator Eric Schneiderman. Assembly Member Adriano Espaillat also thanked the precinct for its efforts.

“My biggest reward is seeing the improvement of the city,” Diaz said, adding that the real thanks should go to the officers in the street. “They make us look good,” he said.

The council also named Police Officer Ramon Velez Police its Officer of the Year. Precinct Commander Joseph Dowling said that the “rookie” Velez has used outside of the box tactics to make a dent in crime in the neighborhood.

The council also recognized Detective Frank Latimer, who, in 1996, was shot while pursing a stolen livery cab. According to a New York Times story the day after the shooting, the car was stolen and the thief abandoned it around a corner, ambushing Latimer and his partner.

“As Frank turned around the corner, the perpetrator started firing,” Dowling said.

Latimer was shot in the head and lost vision in one eye, but continues to serve at the precinct.

“Often the words ‘it’s an honor and a privilege’ are used” too often, Latimer said, adding that he never liked to use them. “[But] it is totally my honor and privilege to be here,” he said.