Peace Officers
I do solemnly swear that I will uphold the constitution of the United States of America, and the Constitution of the State of New York. I will abide by the Bylaws of The City University of New York and the rules and regulations of The City University Public Safety Department. I shall remain ever mindful of my duty to protect and serve the students, faculty and staff of Hostos Community College and The City University of New York as well as all persons entering University property, to the best of my ability.
—    Peace Officers Oath of Office

On May 15, the Hostos’ Department of Public Safety held a breakfast ceremony to recognize National Peace Officers Memorial Day and honor the 163 Law Enforcement Officers who were killed or disabled in the line of duty in 2018.

In full dress uniform, members of the Public Safety Department joined Hostos President David Gómez and many other administrators, professors, students and staff, to honor the annual event and receive appreciation for their important work. President Gómez thanked the Department, which he called family, for keeping the campus safe and always promoting a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Chief Bernabe and President Gomez
Department of Public Safety Chief Arnaldo Bernabe paid homage to the fallen comrades across the nation and the lauded the work of the officers at Hostos. He discussed the tradition of honoring fallen law enforcement officers, which began with the signing of Public Law (87-726) in October of 1962, when President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 of each year as Peace Officers Memorial Day. Since the first recorded Law Enforcement Officer death in 1792 more than 23,720 law enforcement officers have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the citizens of this nation.  

“Across the country law, enforcement officers stand between harm and safety, between evil and righteous, between freedom of expression and those who would take away our right to freely express,” Chief Bernabe said. “Whether working for a local township or an urban city, national parklands or U.S. airports, from federal buildings and monuments to universities and colleges across this country, these women and men stand ready to protect and serve, never forgetting that theirs is a mission of peace.  Their job is to keep the peace, to allow all of us to enjoy peace in our neighborhoods, places of worship, schools, and recreational areas when alone or with our families.

“Today, with heavy hearts, we honor those who gave their lives in the service of that mission. Their families are in our thoughts and prayers, as we remember the quiet courage of the men and women we have lost. This willingness to risk everything for a complete stranger is extraordinary.” Chief Bernabe also talked about the special sacrifice and service of CUNY Peace Officers.

“CUNY CaChief Bernabempus Peace Officers are a special breed; they serve as a special hybrid of law enforcement officer, those who must carefully enforce the laws of this nation and great city but who must do so while they protect the sanctuaries of academic freedom across the City University of New York. The words Peace Officer are synonymous with the words police officer, law enforcement officer, police constable, sheriff, warden, correction officer, and State Trooper. Each one of these terms describes a professional who protects our citizens.”

Hostos Peace Officers were busy in 2018, as the Department provided assistance to more than 1,000 special events on campus. Officers also responded to 1,400 incidents and/or calls for assistance. This number includes 251 calls for medical assistance and response to approximately 143 crimes. The incidents range from verbal and physical confrontations, tracking down stolen or lost property, apprehending people breaking into vehicles on the campus perimeter, assisting victims of domestic violence, preventing trespassers from coming on campus, providing safety escorts to students or employees, responding to vehicle accidents on the campus perimeter and\or assisting the NYPD responding to incidents on our perimeter, and many other routine and non-routine calls.

Associate Dean foAna Garcia Reyesr Community Relations Ana Garcia-Reyes presented a Proclamation issued by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., which according to Chief Bernabe, is the first of its kind presented to a CUNY campus to honor Public Safety Officers. Hostos Public Safety Lt. Thomas Rodríguez also shared a video he created that highlighted the work of his colleagues.

Each Hostos Peace Officer was issued a special certificate of appreciation for their years of service to the campus. Honored were:

Chief Arnaldo Bernabe (26 years)
Sgt. Carlos Gómez (25 years)
P/O Victor Rivera (23 years, 6 months)
Lt. George London (23years)
Sgt. Alfredo Rodríguez (22 years)
Lt. Thomas Rodríguez (20 years)
Sgt. Victor Guzman (20 years)
Cpl. Clara L. Albino (20 years)
P/O Kozell Jackson (19 years)
Sgt. Curt Caesar (18 years)
P/O Sally Sandoval (17 years)
Sgt. Joseph Adeleye (15 years)
P/O Dwayne Jones (15 years)
Sgt. Goldie Baxter (13 years)
P/O Halidu Youngo (13 years)
Freddy Ortiz (11 years)
P/O Johanna Powell (10 years)
P/O Raul De Jesus (10 years)
P/O Abdul Mazumder (8 years)
P/O Joseph Butera (7 years)
Spc. Wilfred Perez (5 years)
P/O Paul Miller (4 years)
Raymundo Valentin (3 years)
P/O Justin Mims (2 years, 6 months)
P/O Carmelo Rosario (2 years)
P/O Pamela Genao (1 year 11 months)
P/O Kiara Batista (1 year 6 months)
P/O Michelle Gilmore (1 year 6 months)

Also recognized were staff from around campus who were saluted for assisting the Officers in various capacities:  Iddy Rosario, Rafael Nunez, Michael Woods, Evgeniy Chernik, David Floyd, and Juana Minaya.