Tuckahoe Recognizes Retiring Officer, Appoints Detective

Two Tuckahoe police officers were recognized in front of a room of supporters and fellow officers at the village board meeting Monday night, including Fred Cioffi, who was injured while on duty in 2009.

Cioffi, who retired on Jan. 29, was honored with an appointment to detective upon retirement.

On May 22, 2009, Cioffi was hit and dragged by a tractor-trailer. He had been out of his car at the intersection of Midland Avenue and Winter Hill Road talking to a driver as part of a statewide seat belt enforcement campaign, Chief John Constanzo said today.

“He suffered four fractured ribs, a punctured lung, a fracture of the spine, pelvic fractures, fracture of the lower femur bone, and multiple compound fractures of the left shin bones, as well as injuries to his shoulders,” Constanzo said.

Cioffi has had multiple surgeries and still has to undergo physical therapy, Constanzo said, noting that he may also have to have another surgery in the future.

He joined the force in August 1998.

At the meeting, Constanzo said Cioffi was, “quickly recognized as a great cop who was trusted and admired by colleagues.”

He noted that Cioffi had been a member of the bike patrol unit and the emergency response team, among others, and that in 2008 and 2009 he had been honored as officer of the year.

After the accident, Constanzo said Cioffi exhibited “fortitude and courage.”

He told a story about visiting him in the emergency room, calling him a “pillar of strength.”

“It was him providing comfort to his family and other officers,” Constanzo said.

He asked the Board to approve Cioffi’s appointment to detective and presentation of a gold detective shield, which they did.

An emotional Cioffi, who stood with his wife, said, “I’m speechless and that doesn’t happen too often.” He said it’s been a tough road, but that the support of family, friends, co-workers and community members has been “phenomenal.”

Costanzo today said the position was one that Cioffi had aspired to and one that “he was on a right track to achieve.”

Also at the meeting, the board also approved the appointment of Charles Weinstein, a member of the force since 2004, to detective, effective Feb. 7.

“It is an honor and privilege to be part of one of the most professional and progressive police departments,” he said after Mayor John Fitzpatrick administered the oath.

Weinstein, who has been an officer for the past 12 years and was previously with the Mount Vernon Police Department, went on to thank family, friends and co-workers for their support.

Chief John Constanzo thanked the board and mayor for filling the vacancy, which became open back in Dec., when Abe Bautista was promoted to sergeant.

Constanzo said eight candidates applied for the position. “Charles rose to the top and he should be commended for that,” he said, offering his congratulations.