Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza
Capt. James Fey’s final tour with the NYPD will be Oct. 16.
By Michael V. Cusenza
Captain James Fey, commanding officer of the 106th Precinct, surprised many constituents last Thursday when he announced his retirement during Community Board 10’s monthly meeting in South Ozone Park.
“I have to tell you, after 27-plus years with the department, the decision to leave, even for a great job prospect, was gut wrenching,” the married father of three young boys told The Forum on Monday, adding that he has accepted the position of director of Security Operations for the main campus of Columbia University. “I’ve grown up with this job, and take a lot of pride in it. I had a real sense of conflict – the thought of leaving my career, my officers, the community, who have been through a lot in the last eight months, was troubling. I had to grapple with what was best for my family, and in the end, that is what won out.”
Fey has led the south Queens command for the past eight months, taking the reins from Inspector Jeff Schiff, who now runs the 105th Precinct in Queens Village.
“Although he was only assigned to the 106th Precinct for less than a year, Capt. Fey proved himself an able commanding officer here,” said Betty Braton, long-time chairwoman of CB 10. “Crime is down in the precinct, and he had established good working relationships with community residents. As I said at Community Board 10’s meeting at which he announced his retirement plans, we wish him well in his future endeavors and thank him for his exceptional service here in our community.”
Fey’s career with the Finest began in July 1989, walking a beat in the Bronx. Less than a year later he was assigned to the 13th Precinct in Manhattan. The move from Parkchester to Gramercy Park changed everything for Fey.
“That’s where I really came into my own,” he said of the 1-3. “I was really comfortable doing what I was doing.”
That comfort helped to shape a confidence that would permeate most aspects of Fey’s life. It sparked a singular drive to take NYPD exams and earn promotions; to satiate his curiosity and earn an education, which led to degrees from Nassau Community College, St. John’s University, Marist College, and John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
“I believe in growing as an individual,” Fey said. “I think if you hit a plateau, it’s necessary that you create new goals. You get better as you go along, through experience.”
As he prepares for his final tour this Sunday, Oct. 16, Fey said he appreciates how the department, and his brothers and sisters in Blue, have helped him grow these past 27 years,
“Simply stated, the NYPD has provided me the opportunity to further myself more than I could have possibly imagined,” he concluded. “I’m going to miss it terribly.”
