As reported by the Roosevelt Islander blog, PSD officers Corey Fischer and Wayne Jones were felled by COVID, early in the pandemic, in April 2020. RIOC promised a ceremony honoring them but, so far, did nothing.
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Two PSD Officers Felled by COVID But Not Honored
When Fischer died, then-president/CEO Susan Rosenthal pledged an event to “celebrate his life and career.” But less than two weeks later, Jones died too. And the exploding pandemic halted public gatherings.
As things began returning to normal, though, earlier this year, current president/CEO Shelton J. Haynes promised a tribute in May. That didn’t happen, and briefly, the failure did not go unnoticed.
At a RIOC board meeting in June, member Michael Shinozaki asked about it.
Haynes blamed an inability to coordinate with the officers’ families who would be included in the tribute ceremony. Not to worry though, things were on track for a ceremony in August.
But that didn’t happen either. No ceremony honoring the two officers felled by COVID has ever been scheduled. True to form, even Shinozaki forgot about it by the time the next board meeting was held in September.
The Daily hopes this reminder will prompt RIOC to do what it promised in the first place, honoring these officers felled by COVID in the line of duty.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily
- Queens Public-Safety Incidents and July 4th Events Ripple Across Roosevelt IslandQueens public-safety incidents this week echoed across Roosevelt Island, with emergency responses, community events, and July 4th celebrations shaping the city’s rhythm.
- Queens Crime Headlines and Community Responses: Roosevelt Island’s ConnectionsQueens crime headlines and community responses have shaped recent conversations from subway stories to neighborhood events. Here’s how Roosevelt Islanders are affected and how the borough is responding.
- How Queens News Stories Affect Life on Roosevelt IslandHow Queens news stories affect life on Roosevelt Island, from public safety incidents and housing shifts to education events, offering insight into our connected communities.
- Roosevelt Island summer moments: Community, events, and the beat of the seasonExperience Roosevelt Island summer moments as neighbors gather, city events unfold, and community rhythms keep the season steady. Discover how our island balances celebrations and everyday traditions.
- Queens Neighborhood News and Community Updates from Across the RiverStay informed with the latest Queens neighborhood news and community updates from across the river, including public safety, events, and how neighboring stories shape our daily life.
Emergency Without Urgency
When government invokes the word “emergency,” normal process changes. Timelines accelerate. Environmental review can narrow. Procurement pathways can shift.
2 COMMENTS