By Mike Schnitzel
Kirby, 47, who has 25 years of police experience, was ready to take command of the 5th when he was tapped for the job in December. "There's a certain level of excitement," said Kirby, "an opportunity to help your fellow man that comes with police work."
Kirby was promoted to inspector when Atkins was made a chief and put in charge of all patrol precincts on Nassau County's South Shore. "[Atkins] still has influence and is kept up to date on what goes on here," said Kirby.
Prior to coming to the 5th Precinct, which encompasses Valley Stream, Elmont, Franklin Square and West Hempstead, Kirby spent five years with the New York Police Department and 20 with Nassau County, gaining experience in various facets of police work, including beat and highway patrol. He was deputy commanding officer at the 2nd and 8th precincts, the experience he needed to take command at the 5th, which is densely populated.
Kirby knew from an early age that he wanted to be a police officer. "I love the interaction with the community," he said. "Even sometimes when it's on a negative basis, it's good to know that what you do is important and appreciated."
The 5th Precinct interacts with community organizations and schools on a regular basis to share concerns, according to several officials in the Valley Stream community. The High School District superintendent, Dr. Marc Bernstein, said that he has dealt with Kirby on two or three occasions during the past two months and found him to be a cooperative partner. "He has been readily available and most informed," said Bernstein. "The district has been most appreciative of the relationship we've had with the 5th under Atkins and Kirby."
Mill Brook Civic Association President Marc Tenzer has worked closely with the precinct on community issues over the past several years, and said that relationship would continue. "I spoke to [Kirby] on the phone for 20 minutes, and he told me that he wanted to continue the relationship with the community that the 5th Precinct had under Atkins," said Tenzer. "They've always done everything they can for us."
Mayor Edward Cahill said that he had received an introductory letter from Kirby in January, and is setting up a meeting with him and Councilman James Darcy to discuss problems in Valley Stream. "I'm a former [New York] city police officer, and we know how to deal with problems and approach them," said Cahill. "From the tone of his letter and phone conversations we've had, I'm sure we will have the positive and cooperative relationship we've always had with the 5th Precinct."
Comments about this story? MSchnitzel@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 265.
