Public Safety Recognition - Past Highlights

After being notified that a non-affiliate forced entry into two Columbia apartment buildings, Sgt. Donald Gannon, Sgt. Jose Cruz and PSO Sergio Deynes canvassed the area and were able to identify someone fitting the description of the subject. The PS team assisted in keeping the subject under observation pending NYPD response, who placed the subject under arrest and returned the stolen property.

After being notified that an ambulance was delayed, PSO Gonzalez, who was stationed at 119th Street and Amsterdam, flagged down a passing ambulance and convinced them to assist a Columbia employee in need on campus. Gonzalez guided the health professionals to where the employee was.

While on his way to work, Sergeant James Repman observed larceny in progress in front of the Manhattanville Operations Center. As the three suspects removed a catalytic converter from a vehicle, Repman acted quickly and photographed the suspects' vehicle, notified the Manhattanville Operations Center and 911. 

Using Google Translate, PSO Jose Gonzalez communicated with a French-speaking student who was a victim of a scam that left him with no housing. PSO Gonzalez provided the student with food and connected him with the University resources needed to help secure temporary emergency housing.

While conducting a perimeter patrol near Manhattanville, PSO John Rijo noticed a male running from the police who had been wanted for a crime committed in the community. PSO Rijo blocked the perpetrator’s direction of flight, and with his attention and quick reaction, Rijo helped the police officers apprehend the suspect who was then taken into custody.

After observing suspicious activity in front of The Forum through the video cameras, PSO Moronta approached the scene, startling and making the two individuals attempting to lift a parked car with a power jack flee, which prevented possible car larceny.

 Sgt. Michael Rodriguez and PSO Flavio Taveras quickly responded to a robbery in front of John Jay Hall, apprehending the suspect who was arrested and turned over to the NYPD. The officers helped the victims recover their property and kept them safe from any further harm.

Lt. Goudswaard and Sr. Sgt. O’Donnell were notified about an employee being the victim of public lewdness and forcible touching in front of 601 West 168th Street, and together approached the suspect who was later apprehended and arrested. The supervisors’ calm, professional and determined demeanor helped remove a menacing individual from any further incidents.

The great teamwork by Public Safety in Manhattanville prevented a possible larceny after being notified that a male was attempting to remove the front tire from a secured bike on W129th Street.

The response by Columbia University Public Safety to a manhole fire on W. 115th St. in the middle of the night on August 16 epitomized the department’s motto of Pride, Professionalism and Service. The sergeant and officers went above and beyond during a stressful and potentially dangerous situation, showing initiative and selflessness while leading a successful response without incident or injury.

After receiving a call from a CU affiliate requesting immediate assistance to help a family member who was locked in their apartment bathroom due to a defective door lock, Sergeants Michael Rodriguez and Peter Plata immediately responded and, together with the building superintendent, were able to free the family member from the room without harm.

Public Safety Officer Richard Castro’s quick response helped to revive an unaffiliated male near the Medical Center from an overdose. After being notified about the unresponsive individual, Castro quickly notified the Operations Desk to dispatch emergency responders and stayed onsite to assist a CUIMC doctor in the area who administered treatment. PSO Castro’s quick actions, calm demeanor, and professionalism played a major role in saving the man’s life.