Changing of the Guard at the 88th: Fiorillo Replaces Henderson

Change was in the air on a balmy spring evening last Friday night at the Ingersoll Community Center. Fond farewells were made to Deputy Inspector Scott Henderson and a hearty welcome given to Captain Peter Fiorillo, who will replace Officer Henderson as the new Commanding Officer of the NYPD’s 88th Precinct, which includes Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.

New York City Council Member Laurie Cumbo of the 35th District presided over the ceremony marking the 88th’s leadership change. Community luminaries, including Rob Perris, District Manager of Community Board 2, Tamika Frances, Principal of P.S. 67, Isabelle Lee, head of the Walt Whitman Houses Tenant Association, Oscar Jonas, Community Liaison for State Senator Velmanette Montgomery and Denise Peterson, Community Affairs Officer for Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson, were effusive in their praise for Officer Henderson, who after two years at the 88th will take over as commanding officer of the 81st Precinct in Bedford–Stuyvesant.

According to CB2 head Perris, in taking command of the 88th Officer Fiorillo is stepping into some very big shoes. Citing the position as one of the NYPD’s most prestigious assignments, Perris mentioned that recently retired Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly once lead the precinct housed in a stately red brick and terra-cotta building at the corner of DeKalb and Classon Avenues.

Based on comments from the assembled dignitaries, Captain Fiorillo will have to work hard just to equal the accomplishments of his immediate predecessor, let alone follow in the footsteps of the former commissioner.

Henderson, a 19-year veteran, was not only effective in fighting crime—major crimes dropped 6.5 percent during his first year on the job—but he was much beloved for his community outreach. Principle Frances mentioned the Deputy Inspector’s inspired effort last December in throwing a Christmas party for her students, which included presents for all children in attendance.

Perris stated that Henderson had a “unique relationship” with the community, while Ms. Lee praised Officer Henderson for “keeping the commitments you made to us.”

The Deputy Inspector’s first year was clearly a success, but his second year was marred by several high-profile crimes, including the tragic death of nine-year-old Lucian Merryweather at the corner of DeKalb and Clermont Avenues, the result of reckless driving. Anthony Byrd has been charged with criminally negligent homicide in the case which stunned local residents and generated an outcry for more stringent traffic regulations.

In prepared remarks, Captain Fiorillo emphasized that he is a “strong advocate for neighborhood quality of life.” Fiorillo also said that a significant goal of his tenure as commanding officer will be to “build stronger community relations by maintaining courtesy, professionalism and respect” between his officers and local residents.

Council Member Cumbo gently reminded the new commanding officer that “our loving community… is putting our safety in your hands.”