Monday, June 9, 2008

A Quiet, Everyday Hero


The New York Times has an excellent profile today on Sergeant Andrew McGoey of the 72nd Precinct.
In the New York Police Department, officers who reach the rank of sergeant typically retire after 20 to 25 years on the force. Sgt. Andrew P. McGoey waited longer to turn in his badge — a lot longer.

On Monday at police headquarters in Lower Manhattan, Sergeant McGoey will surrender Shield No. 801 after 39 years on the force. Of the city’s roughly 4,000 sergeants, none has held the rank longer than his 31 years.



Sgt. McGoey is retiring only because he can't stay any longer; the NYPD has a mandatory retirement age of 63. I've been impressed with the quiet strength and dignity of "Mr. McGoey" since I met him 10 or 12 years ago. His son is a good friend (and was one of my roommates at Rutgers College) who has always been proud of his dad's work. I can remember reading an article on Sgt. McGoey back then from US News and World Report that Jeff kept from the 80s.

Sergeant McGoey, your service will be missed in Brooklyn.

Photo from the New York Times.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Gary,

Thank you for the kind words for my father. I am and will continue to be very proud of him. His positive impact has been felt by thousands of NYC residents through his 39 years. His retirement is a special occasion and I am very happy that it is being celebrated as such.

Thank you again,
Jeff