Deputy Inspector Thomas Pascale
It’s been a storied past at the 106th Precinct for NYPD veteran Thomas Pascale. He was first at the Ozone Park precinct from 2000 to 2004 and then returned in 2010 as the new Commanding Officer at the precinct that encompasses Richmond Hill, Howard Beach, Ozone Park and parts of Woodhaven.
This tour of duty at the 106 has been highlighted by a distinction earned by very few members of the force; his rise in the ranks started as a police officer in 1994, earning a promotion to sergeant, then captain. Now the career has been topped off with a promotion to the coveted rank of Deputy Inspector at the order of Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.
By basic and unofficial definition, promotion to the rank of Deputy Inspector is one that reflects a three prong level of achievement: your command performance is high, you’ve built strong relationships with police, residents and community groups and the community at large is happy with the job you’re doing. In layman’s terms, it’s a big deal promotion handed down upon relatively few, especially as compared to other, more commonly awarded promotions.
In a 2010 interview with this newspaper, the new precinct captain said he felt as though he had “come home,” commenting that the assignment was enhanced because some of the same officers he had worked with years ago were still at the 106 and in key positions. He described his new command as a “very well-oiled machine,” giving credit to his predecessor, Inspector Joe Courtesis.
Now, despite the new title and escalation in rank, things for Pascale are on the same track as they were two years ago. Back then, he said running the 106 for him would mean making slow and subtle changes, focusing on community policing and quality of life issue. To his credit, Pascale’s performance record at the precinct indicates his devotion to those intentions. He has clearly earned the respect of his colleagues and the officers at the precinct he administers to, as well as having formed a large and effective network with civic and religious organizations throughout his command.
The strategies he’s used in dealing with individual situations plaguing communities within his precinct have seen Pascale emerge as one of the most trusted and reliable commanding officers to pass through the precinct.
He is well known for his attendance at community meetings and for his accessibility to residents, readily giving his contact information to anyone who will have it. “Deputy Inspector Pascale is someone that our community can depend on,” says Lindenwood Alliance founder Joann Ariola. “Since he stepped through the door here he has consistently worked with the community to ensure our issues were being addressed. The resolution of our situation here is clear evidence of that.”
Ariola refers to Pascale’s attention to a wave of auto vandalism that struck Lindenwood, instilling anger and frustration in its residents earlier in the year. “He [Pascale] didn’t stop,” Ariola said. “He was relentless in his pursuit of the people committing these crimes.”
And the civic leader noted, he’s not one of those guys who barks orders from the desk—“he can’t wait to jump in the car with his officers and tackle the situation first hand.”
But the praise doesn’t end with satisfied civic organizers and community residents; Pascale has won the respect of his command with his no-nonsense, common sense approach to leadership. “He’s a cop’s cop,” said Community Affairs officer Kenny Zorn who travels to many meetings with Pascale. “And out in the community, you can see that people are comfortable in speaking with him.” The same is true at the stationhouse according to Zorn, where, he says, respect abounds for the CO.
As for Pascale himself, when congratulated upon his new promotion, the hulking 6’3” frame seems not enough to hide the awkwardness that comes over a somewhat reserved personality. But a smile that contains all the deserved pride shortly follows. “This is such a tremendous honor for me,” is all he can muster at first. “The thing about this promotion is that it’s not the result of a civil service exam. It’s based on individual appointment by the commissioner.”
And indeed what Pascale points out is what is at the essence of this promotion. It is not one which members of the department can apply for and it is not made by testing. It is a promotion awarded solely on the basis of merit at the discretion of the highest ranking police official in the department; one not made readily and certainly not one made without superior effort and achievement.
Pascale says he was at his desk when the call came from the commissioner’s office to inform him of the promotion. “What a fantastic phone call that is to get. It’s just a great feeling to know that you’ve done your job and that the commissioner recognizes that,” said Pascale.
And as far as things changing under the new title, that’s not likely to happen. “Things won’t change here because of this. The efforts are still directed where they always have been—quality of life issues that most affect our precinct,” says the deputy inspector. “They are the things we will continue to concentrate on and keep under control.” His other concentration is to continue forging relationships throughout the community with individuals and groups.
As it was when he first arrived back in 2010, one of the greatest challenges facing his command is the lack of officers. “We have to do a lot more with a lot less but our officers continue to show their dedication and ability for this job by going out and doing what they have to with whatever resources are available, says Pascale.
“A decrease in manpower doesn’t mean a decrease in need. If anything, it signals an increase in responsibility and in how much our communities depend on us,” — a responsibility Pascale doesn’t take lightly himself and one certainly not allowed to be taken lightly by anyone in his command.
The promotion represents a significant change in title and position within the department, but very little will actually change in the day to day operations of the job according to Pascale. And some of those day to day responsibilities are shared with Executive Officer at the 106, Captain Robert Sparkes. “In my absence,” Pascale says of his colleague, “He’s the boss.”
Together with his XO and the officers in his command, Pascale struggles mainly with property crimes in the precinct, like burglary and grand larceny. “We are always looking to improve enforcement efforts and reduce crime in the command,” Pascale said.
And so one day last month, it was made official at a promotion ceremony in Manhattan at One Police Plaza. With wife Wendy and his parents at his side, Thomas Pascale was elevated to a level of prominence most in the NYPD will never achieve. “It’s something that is not easy to describe,” the 18-year veteran said of the ceremony. “Standing there with others who were also promoted, you start to realize just how special this is.” At the ceremony he had a chance to speak to the man who made it all happen, Commissioner Ray Kelly. The two exchanged thank you’s– Pascale for his promotion and the commissioner for all Pascale’s years of exemplary service.
As for what the future holds, the deputy inspector says he has no reason to believe that he won’t be around for a while, something he says he definitely doesn’t mind. “I really enjoy the 106,” he says. “For me it’s about working closely with the community and standing shoulder to shoulder with my cops. That’s my job. It’s what I love.”
By Patricia Adams
