The NYPD’s marching band opened the promotion ceremony for dozens of police officers who have distinguished themselves through their work, knowledge, experience and service to the community.
José Joaquín Taveras is one of them. After 18 years in the NYPD, he was promoted to Subinspector on Wednesday.
“I joined the police force in 2007, and I think it’s the best decision I’ve ever made,” Taveras said. “It has truly been a job that has filled me with pride, where I feel that I have made a difference by helping the community and also representing not only the name of my family, but also the Dominican country and Latinos.”
After years as captain of the 26th precinct in Manhattan, other police chiefs have recognized Taveras’ leadership, as well as his training.
“If you can become a captain by passing three exams, then you can go up from there because the Police Commissioner said you had the ability to supervise captains,” Taveras explained. “So the position I’m going to be promoted to now is sub-inspector.”
Sub-Inspector Tavares’ mother was filled with pride for her son, who had stood out since he was little.
“He always stood out as a good student, he has always been a very responsible man. And I understand that this should be a source of pride for all Latinos who came here with great sacrifice, without knowing the language, and have been able to excel in everything they do,” said his mother, Maria Tejada.
Taveras.
“Yes, I was born in the Dominican Republic, in a field called Salcedo which is in the Cibao region, I grew up there and moved to the United States when I was 18 years old. “My parents made a lot of sacrifices to bring me here and I joined the Police Department,” Taveras said.
Glorisel Lee, who has also stood out in her community of Staten Island, in the 121st precinct as a captain, was born in Brooklyn to Dominican parents and after 20 years in the police force, she has now been promoted to sub-inspector.
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“I was in college when 9/11 happened, and seeing everything that happened, I decided to become a police officer,” Lee said.
Her father’s voice cracks when he talks about his daughter.
-How do you feel?
“How would a father feel, seeing his daughter graduate day after day? Let’s say, because every day she improves as a person and as a human being. For me it is a pride, a pleasure to accompany her as long as she has a part in her success, I will always be there for her,” said Father Francisco De La Cruz.
“In my new role, I will be in charge of my precinct and police personnel, keeping them, the community and their concerns safe, combating violence and improving their lives,” Lee said.
And from now on, the two NYPD inspectors will have dozens of police captains under their supervision, undoubtedly a source of pride for the Latino community.
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