Baltimore, MD - Dec. 16, 2024- The Northwest Citizens Patrol (NWCP) held its annual dinner on Motzei Shabbos, December 7 at Shomrei Emunah. The evening began with a warm welcome from Master of Ceremonies, Rabbi Yaakov Cohen, Executive Director of Talmudical Academy. In attendance, was a full dais of community rabbis, including Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, Rabbi Yaakov Hopfer, and Rabbi Baruch Neuberger, as well as government officials, members of the police force, and community members.
The first speaker of the evening was U.S. Senator Benjamin Cardin, who delivered a heartfelt speech praising the NWCP for its unwavering committment to community safety. Senator Cardin highlighted the organization's pioneering role in the “Citizens on Patrol” initiative, calling it a trailblazer in the field and a preeminent fixture in community policing.
Next, Rabbi Benjamin Marwick, Rabbi of Shomrei Emunah, took the stage, emphasizing the importance of partnerships. He commended the Patrol for its ongoing collaboration with the local police department, elected officials, and the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who contribute to the organization’s work.
Lieutenant Colonel Ettice Brickus of the Baltimore Police Department shared her thoughts, praising the effective partnership between the NWCP and law enforcement. She commended the Patrol’s commitment to supporting the police and noted that the department has great confidence in the actions and professionalism of the NWCP volunteers.
Neil (Nachy) Schachter, President of the NWCP then presented the next segment of the evening which was dedicated to recognizing individuals for their exceptional service to the community.
The first honoree was Detective Dominic Winder, who was recognized for his outstanding actions during a routine patrol. While on duty, Detective Winder identified a stolen vehicle and pursued it. He was the sole officer on the scene when he arrested three individuals involved in the theft. Mr. Schachter humorously recalled asking Detective Winder how he managed to arrest the three juveniles, to which the officer responded, “Very carefully.”
Five Jewish police officers from the community were then recognized for their excellent work: Detective Avraham Shugarman, Officer Zack Friedman, Officer Baer Rosenbloom, Officer Mordecai Mandelbaum, and Officer Mordechai Singer. The attendees were then shown a video featuring heartfelt comments from these police officers as well as remarks from the City Police Commissioner and the Chief of the County Police commending these officers. Each honoree received a plaque jointly given by the Shomrim of Baltimore and the Northwest Citizens Patrol. These plaques were presented by Nate Willner of Shomrim and Neil Schachter of the Northwest Citizens Patrol.
In an emotional moment, Tzipora Marsh, a victim of a carjacking, shared her experience before presenting a plaque to Sergeant John Wallace, one of the officers who assisted her on the evening that it occcurred. Ms. Marsh also honored Deputy Chief Catharine Rosenblatt with a plaque on behalf of Alicia Jiggets, who had successfully prosecuted the case and secured a guilty verdict.
The evening culminated with the presentation of the Arichas Shanim Award to Moshe Goldstein, a volunteer of the NWCP. Goldstein was recognized for his 42 years of dedicated service, dating back to the Patrol's founding in 1982.
In closing, Neil Schachter expressed gratitude to everyone who attended the event, thanking them for their continued support of the NWCP’s vital mission. The turnout, he noted, was a testament to the community’s strong commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its members.
As the evening drew to a close, the attendees left feeling inspired and united in their shared responsibility to protect and serve the community, reflecting on the accomplishments of the NWCP and the ongoing partnership between citizens and law enforcement.