NYPD Helicopters Fly to Honor Chief Esposito’s Retirement

Wondering what was up with those three police helicopters circling low and in a tight formation over the area this afternoon around 2:45pm? Gothamist reports that they were flying in honor of NYPD Chief of Department Joseph Esposito — a Ditmas Park neighbor — who retired today after over 40 years on the force:

Esposito retires on the eve of his 63rd birthday, which is the mandatory retirement age for all uniformed police officers. He’s been the highest ranking uniformed officer for 12 years, longer than any of his predecessors, and says he doesn’t know what’s next for him.

The Times has a profile of his career, from when the Brooklyn-raised Esposito entered the department as a trainee right out of high school in 1968, to some of the ups (managing the response to the September 11 attacks) and the downs (controversial confrontations with Occupy Wall Street protesters).

Congratulations, Chief, we wish you well in your retirement.

The NYPD announced today that it has appointed Philip Banks III, a 26-year NYPD veteran and its current Chief of Community Affairs, as Esposito’s replacement.