Be Proud Foundation Salutes Those In Blue With Police Appreciation Luncheon

With the national climate towards police riddled with conflict, southern Brooklyn has nothing but love for their police officers.

This love was expressed on Friday, December 2, at Cats on the Bay at 2027 Emmons Ave during the Be Proud Foundation’s 11th annual Police Appreciation Luncheon. There was a handful of local politicians and representatives in attendance to give a warm ‘thank you’ to New York’s finest, including State Assemblymembers Helene Weinstein, Bill Colton, and Steven Cymbrowitz, City Councilmember Chaim Deutsch ,former City Councilmember Lew Fidler, District Leader Nancy Tong, and others.

Police from all over the city were there the be showered with praise including, the 60th, 61st, 70th, 66th, and 62nd Precincts, and 1 Police Plaza Headquarters.

“You turn on your tv and you often hear criticisms of police. It’s events like this that don’t get covered, and I wanted to say a heartfelt thank you on behalf of my constituents for the work you do in our community,” said Weinstein.

Colton commended the police for reacting to dangers to protect citizens, even when they’re sometimes demonstrating against the police.

“You are out there. When a danger arises, you run into the danger when those who aren’t police officers — in some instances when they are actually demonstrating against police officers — run away from the danger,” said Colton. “We owe a debt of gratitude for that. The Be Proud Foundation has always instilled that into the community, and it’s something we must continue to do.”

The festivities included a buffet catered by Cats on the Bay and performances of Russian folk music and God Bless America. The police were grateful for the appreciation.

“Thank you, Be Proud Foundation. We met Raisa [Chernina] by accident about five or six years ago at a community board meeting,” said Sergeant Anthony Caggiano. “We established a relationship with her and the Be Proud Foundation and she has taken us in so many different directions. We are proud to serve the community here.”

Raisa is the founder of the Be Proud Foundation and has been organizing this event every year for over a decade. With tears in her eyes, she told the story of a police officer who stayed with her when her mother passed away. The police officer consoled her until her family came, inspiring her to hold an event to show the police appreciation for what they do.

“He was with me until my family was there, I’ll never forget this. I don’t know where he is right now but this event belongs to him and people like him,” said Raisa.

Below are some more photos from the luncheon: