Police Commissioner Helps Paint NYC Marathon Finish Line, Expects Safe Marathon

CENTRAL PARK, NY — NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill stopped in Central Park Wednesday morning to help paint the finish line for the upcoming New York City Marathon and offer an update on safety measures the NYPD will take during the event.

O'Neill said that he fully expects the marathon to be a "safe and great event" and that police officers will be out in full force to keep safe watch over the parade route. Both uniformed and plainclothes officers will be stationed along the route — which starts in Staten Island and ends in Central Park. In addition, NYPD helicopters and boats will be deployed in order to watch over the race from the seas and skies, O'Neill said Wednesday.

But O'Neill wasn't just in the park to give a security update. The NYPD commissioner was joined by several other officials in grabbing paint rollers and posing for a photo op.

For a complete guide to the New York City Marathon — including a course map, start times and the best places to watch — check out Patch's event guide.

Photo: NYPD