NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- NYPD Chief of Patrol Philip Rivera led roll call Tuesday at the 46th Precinct stationhouse in the Bronx, where he began his career in 1995 and rose through the ranks to become the precinct’s commanding officer.
During the visit honoring Hispanic Heritage Month, the chief was joined by his father, retired NYPD Captain Andrew Rivera, who was also the former president of the NYPD’s Hispanic Society.
The elder Rivera said he’s “just overwhelmed” by the number of NYPD members who are Hispanic these days.
“I’m delighted to be able to have lived to see all of this progress,” he said.
When he joined the NYPD in 1961, the department was mostly made up of Irish and Italian officers. Hispanics now make up 36% of the force.
Philip Rivera said he cherishes a photo of his father at a 1970s-era recruitment drive for Hispanic officers outside of the Apollo Theater in Harlem.
“I have that up on my office wall as a reminder, to remind me of my roots and the sacrifices of the people who came before me,” the chief said.