Our heroes: how Russian-speaking police officers in New York get promoted

There are 77 police stations in New York, three of which are run by Russian-speaking immigrants. Proud Charitable Foundation held an event in honor of Russian-speaking police officers in New York. "Voice of America”Spoke about the event and about immigrants from the former USSR successfully building their careers at NYPD.

Igor Pinkhasov

Igor Pinkhasov - a native of Kazakhstan, moved with his family to the United States in 1996. He started out as an ordinary police officer in 2004. Today Igor is the head of Section 105 in Queens. In July 2021, Igor became the first Russian-speaking deputy inspector of the NYPD. This is a rank equivalent to Lieutenant Colonel.

Andrey Smirnov

Andrey Smirnov is a native of St. Petersburg, the commander of a police station in Staten Island. He also became Deputy Inspector in October. NYPD... Other immigrants from the former USSR are also working in his area under the leadership of Andrey. According to Andrey, a Russian-speaking detective works in his Detective Squad, as well as many sergeants and lieutenants.

Vitaly Zelikov

Born in Minsk, Belarus, Vitaly Zelikov runs a police station in Brooklyn. According to him, knowledge of the Russian language and the mentality of immigrants helps him to establish trusting relationships between police officers and citizens.

“I worked in different areas where different people live, immigrants. The rich, the poor. I definitely helped. Someone needs help who doesn't speak English well. It helps a lot, ”said Vitaliy.

Organizers and participants of the event

The Proud Charitable Foundation has been honoring Russian-speaking policemen every year for 16 years. The foundation was founded by Raisa Chernina. According to her, she decided to help the police after she confronted a helpful police officer at a difficult moment.

NYPD Public Affairs Chief Jeffrey Maddrey attended the event.

“I personally know the officers we are honoring today. Great guys who do a great job not only in the Russian-speaking community, but also in other communities, ”he said.

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Tatyana Timoshenko is proud of the Russian-speaking policemen. Her son Russell served in the police force and died tragically in 2007 in the line of duty. She said she was very grateful and happy for the police officers who were honored at the event.

Local politicians came to support the Russian-speaking officers. According to them, in the Russian-speaking community, the forces of law and order enjoy tremendous support. Ari Kagan, a Russian-speaking New York City Councilor-elect, believes there is a need to increase the police budget and add patrol cars.

New Yorkers and police officers hope that Eric Adams, newly elected mayor of New York, will find the right solution to the public safety problem.