The 52nd Precinct has hosted a number of community events in recent months. An annual mass was celebrated on May 28 for local first responders, including members of the NYPD, FDNY and EMS at St. Philip Neri Church in Bedford Park.

 

Various members of the community, including local children and local graffiti clean-up group, Guerinos Against Graffitti*, were in attendance.

In late June, the 52nd Precinct Community Affairs outreach unit organized a safety seminar for the older adult community with their crime prevention officers at Mosholu Montefiore Community Center on DeKalb Avenue in Norwood.

 

On May 10, after two postponements for weather and other reasons, the 52nd Precinct Egg Hunt finally took place. The annual event consisted of face-painting, games, snacks and a visit by the Easter Bunny. “It’s so fulfilling to see the look on these precious children as they engage with the police officers,” the 52nd Precinct Clergy Council later said.

“Thanks to the ‘mastermind’ [NYPD] Community Affairs Officer [Stephen] Echevarria, his new partner PO [Jose] Torres, EMT Leut Bonilla, the [NYPD] Explorers, and members of the 52 pct clergy coalition, among others not mentioned,” the 52nd Precinct Community Council said. A shout out was also given to Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr. (A.D. 80) for sponsoring the event, along with Nelson Bonilla of Never End Love.

 

The precinct also holds ad hoc “Coffee with a Cop” events where members of the public can sit and chat with a police officer at different coffee shops or other venues in the local community to discuss issues of concern or ask questions.

Earlier this year, in March, the 52nd Precinct Community Council held a Dress & Suit Prom giveaway at Tracey Towers in Bedford Park where dresses, men’s suits, and shoes were donated to Bronx youth in conjunction with the Office of the Bronx District Attorney. “We had a good day,” the community council later wrote of the event. “Thank you to Jean Hill, Tracey Towers Tenants Assoc.”

 

Last year, 52nd Precinct Community Council President Brenda Paris Caldwell was honored by Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) for her work on the council and her contribution to the local community for the last 20 years.

Meanwhile, Jean Hill, president of Tracey Towers Tenants Organization, was honored by State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (S.D. 33) as the NYS Senate 2025 Woman of Distinction event. “It was an honor to recognize Ms. Jean Hill as my NYS Senate 2025 Woman of Distinction for our district,” Rivera said. “Ms. Hill is the President of the Tracey Towers Tenant Organization, a @BXCB71 board member, and an outstanding community leader.”

He added, “I’m so proud to present her with this well-deserved recognition. Thank you, Ms. Hill for your endless commitment to our community. You are an inspiration!”