Brooklyn’s Golden leads State Senate in securing money to help NYPD

Funds Will Be Used to Help Protect New York’s Finest

July 11, 2017 By John Alexander Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Senate Republicans have secured funds to bulletproof windows and side door panels of NYPD vehicles. Eagle photo by Arthur De Gaeta

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On Monday, the Senate Republican Majority announced that they will provide $4 million to help retrofit thousands of New York City Police Department command vehicles and patrol cars with bulletproof windows and side door panels.

The funds, as advocated by state Sen. Marty Golden (R-C-Bay Ridge-Southwest Brooklyn), a former NYPD officer, and Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan (R-C-I-East Northport), would better protect the men and women who serve in NYPD from senseless incidents such as last week’s unprovoked and tragic murder of Officer Miosotis Familia.

“Every day we cherish and thank the proud men and women of the NYPD for putting their lives on the line to protect New York’s largest city,” said Flanagan. “It’s only appropriate that we do everything possible to help defend those who defend us.”

Golden has been fighting for this funding for some time now. “Bulletproof windows on all NYPD vehicles is a critical investment our city and state must make at this time to protect our officers,” Golden told the Brooklyn Eagle. “I am proud to have strongly supported this allocation of funds which I know will protect all NYPD officers, including those who patrol the precincts in my district, including the 68th, the 62nd, the 60th, the 66th, the 61st and 63rd. Ensuring the safety of all officers is paramount to ensuring the safety of New York City and those who live, work and visit here.

“As a former New York City police officer, I know firsthand the dangers that our men and women in uniform face each and every day,” added Golden. “I am confident that this investment will save lives, and wisely provide greater protections for all NYPD officers.”

The grant allocation comes from the State and Municipal Assistance (SAM) capital program and is available immediately.

Working with NYPD and City Hall, the bulletproofing of side panels, windshields and windows will be done on 3,800 patrol vehicles and all 72 mobile command units. Building upon the city’s ongoing process of retrofitting all of their mobile command units and a substantial number of other NYPD vehicles, today’s announcement marks a continuing dialogue related to police safety issues between Golden and the city.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said, “The safety of our officers always comes first and any additional funding to aid us in their protection is greatly appreciated. I thank the state Senate for identifying these funds and look forward to working with them to keep New York City’s finest safe.”