Politics & Government
Public Safety Commissioner Honored As 2012 Person of the Year
David Chong is The NYPD Asian Jade Society's 2012 Year of the Dragon Person of the Year
Did you know White Plains has its very own dragon?
The City’s Commissioner of Public Safety, David Chong, was chosen as the 2012 Year of the Dragon, Person of the Year. The NYPD Asian Jade Society bestowed him with the honor during the 32nd Annual Dr. Lin Scholarship Dinner Dance.
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"It is always nice to be recognized, I am honored to receive this prestigious award from my alumni, the NYPD,” said Chong.
Chong was New York City's commander of counter-terrorism intelligence after 9/11, and retired from the New York City Police Department after 22 years of service before his career in Westchester.
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He has also served as police commissioner in Mount Vernon, as well deputy public safety commissioner in White Plains. Chong is also a faculty member of justice and criminal studies at Berkeley College's School of Professional Studies. Click here for more on Chong.
The NYPD Asian Jade Society— started in 1980 to promote diversity in the police department—presented Chong with the award at the Jing Fong Restaurant in New York City on Feb. 10.
“My family and I am equally honored to have been joined by my many peers, friends and colleagues including three Mayor's for that special evening," said Chong
White Plains Mayor Tom Roach was in attendance at the dinner dance to see the city’s public safety commissioner honored as the Year of the Dragon’s Person of the Year.
In Chinese astrology, 2012 is the year of the dragon, which is revered as very special in the Chinese zodiac. It is the only animal in the Chinese zodiac that isn’t a real animal. According to About Sichuan China—two larger tribes, who were among many smaller tribes—unified more than 4,000 years ago and chose the dragon as their symbol.
The dragon is seen as a powerful king made up of different animal parts, such as a tiger, fish, snake and eagle—and is a non-threatening symbol of power, wisdom, superiority and rule.
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