Neighbors Join With Local Police To Mourn Officer Slain In East Harlem

More than two dozen residents joined with local police outside the 61st Precinct Monday night to mourn the death of Officer Randolph Holder, who was shot and killed last week while pursuing a gunman in East Harlem.

“Cops have feelings just like everybody else. We cry, we hurt, we mourn. So I appreciate everyone coming out and showing us support,” said the station house’s commanding officer, Captain Winston Faison.

Precincts across the city held their own prayer vigils for Holder, who has become the fourth police officer killed on duty in the last 10 months. Many of the residents gathered outside the Sheepshead Bay station house said they came to show their support for local officers and to recognize the daily perils faced by law enforcement.

“You are the only thing that stands between our family and what goes on out in the streets — things that only you probably see. It’s a whole other world out there,” said Mary Ellen Profeta, whose son works for the NYPD. “I have a blue ribbon in my window. I wish I could just tell every police officer that my house is safe place for you.”

The vigil was attended by City Councilman Chaim Deutsch, Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein and representatives for Assemblymembers Steven Cymbrowitz and Roxanne Persaud.

“Today, we don’t just mourn the death of Officer Randolph Holder, we celebrate his life. He went out to protect the citizens of his borough, the citizens of the city,” said Deutsch. “He didn’t do it for fame or fortune. He did it because he believes that when he walks out of that station house, he can help another human being.”

Holder, who patrolled NYCHA properties in Manhattan, was allegedly gunned down by one of his own wards — reported gang member Tyrone Howard, who lives in the East River Houses.  Weinstein said the state had already taken steps to improve safety at NYCHA properties. Days after Holder’s death, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the state would provide $42 million to improve security at public housing in New York City.

Weinstein also said the officer’s death will likely factor into legislators’ discussions about changes to New York’s bail system. At both the city and state level, lawmakers are advancing plans to reduce the number of non-violent offenders in prisons. However, the Daily News reports Howard avoided jail time, and was instead directed towards a drug diversion program, because the judge never heard evidence about Howard’s role in a 2009 shootout.

“I think this situation highlights one aspect of bail that we will try and see if there is a need for reform in that area,” said Weinstein. “Perhaps this shouldn’t have been a person who was out on the street.”

Faison said the mood in the station house following Holder’s death was akin to losing a family member. However, despite the loss, he pointed out that many of the officers were not able to attend the vigil because they were patrolling the streets.

“The job never stops,” he said.