There’s a new top cop at the 108th Precinct in Long Island City – a Queensborn leader with a long history of working to keep the borough safe.
Newly-appointed Captain Ralph Forgione assumed command of the 108th Precinct shortly after the ball dropped at Times Square on New Year’s Eve.
“He’s a nice guy who is well known and liked,” NYPD officials said. “He is sure to be welcomed as an asset to the command and the community.”
The 108th Precinct command covers neighborhoods in Long Island City, Hunters Point, Sunnyside and Woodside, where crime continues to nosedive.
Forgione, who walked a beat as a rookie cop in Manhattan’s 28th Precinct, comes to the 108th Precinct from the 114th Precinct in Astoria, where he served as executive officer. Forgione has also served as executive officer at the 110th Precinct in Elmhurst, the 111th Precinct in Bayside and the 112th Precinct in Forest Hills.
“He has a vast knowledge of a number of commands in Queens,” officials said. “His experience with people from neighborhoods throughout the borough is an invaluable tool for developing crime fighting strategies and excellent police-community relationships.”
Forgione said he has some big shoes to fill, following in the footsteps of former 108th Precinct Commanding Officer, Deputy Inspector John Travaglia.
“I tell my officers to treat people as though they are family members,” Forgione said.
Officers at the 108th Precinct listen to people in the community and handle all conditions with the same efficiency, he declared.
NYPD officials said Forgione is a hands-on commander who is likely to tackle a number of conditions himself.
“He has never been afraid to work along with his officers or to do the job himself,” officials said.
Forgione wants the community to know that his door will always be open to them, to voice a complaint, ask for help with a specific situation, or to just say hello.
“I’m looking forward to knowing and working with residents and business owners in the command,” Forgione said. “I’ve heard some really nice things about them.”
