Hello. This is Jack McManus from your Public Safety Department (PSD). Some of you may know that I was diagnosed with a serious World Trade Center related illness approximately five (5) months ago. Due to ongoing treatments, side effects from the treatments, and a lot of doctor appointments, I have been forced to make adjustments to my work schedule. Most weeks I am on the Island and in my office on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Recently, my physician informed me that I will have to continue these treatments for the foreseeable future, which will necessitate the continuation of my abbreviated work schedule. PSD Deputy Director Kevin Brown has been standing in for me and doing a phenomenal job. Deputy Brown has been with us for almost three (3) years, and he has a solid commitment to the Roosevelt Island Community -- to keeping everyone safe, improving the quality of life on the Island, and continuing to police within the Community Policing Model which has proven to be successful on Roosevelt Island.
After discussions with the RIOC Executive Team, we have agreed that as of June 30th my position as Chief/Director of PSD will come to an end, but I will continue to actively participate in significant public safety activities on the Island. For example, for the upcoming Figment NYC festival I intend to participate in all strategy sessions and coordinate with NYCEM, NYPD, FDNY, MTA, EDC and other city and state agencies to improve logistical and safety plans for this and all future large events.
RIOC president/CEO Susan Rosenthal has also asked me to take the lead on planning and implementing security and life safety communications throughout the Island, and I am committed to sharing my knowledge and experience on this and other major projects.
I look forward to seeing everyone whenever I am on the Island and cannot overstate how good it feels to walk down the street and encounter our community members while I’m “on the beat”. It’s always good to see you and I can’t thank you enough for asking me how I’m feeling. Simply put, it means the world to me.
Sincerely,
Jack McManus