The 49th Precinct’s beloved captain has received an incredible honor and promotion from the NYPD.
Barely a year at the helm of the precinct, Captain Kevin Nicholson, who has made a big impact in the community over the last 12 months, has been promoted to Deputy Inspector.
NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly visited the Pine Restaurant on 1913 Bronxdale Avenue on Tuesday, April 26 to speak to local residents at the 49th Precinct’s Community Council Meeting.
The following day, Captain Kevin Nicholson received a phone call from Kelly saying that he, along with four other police officers, would be receiving the promotion to Deputy Inspector on Friday, April 29 at Police Headquarters at 1 Police Plaza in Manhattan.
Officialsare wondering whether or not Nicholson would be leaving the 49th Precinct to take the helm at a busier station.
Captain Nicholson dropped in at the Community Board 11 meeting on Thursday, April 28 at Lubin Hall on 1200 Van Nest Avenue to announce that he will not be leaving the neighborhood.
“I truly enjoy being here with the 49th Precinct and being able to come to work for these communities every day,” Nicholson said. “The promotion is an incredible honor and I hope to continue working with the wonderful people in these neighborhoods for years to come.”
Nicholson, who took over the helm of the 49th Precinct on April 5, 2010, has developed a strong resume during his 19-year career in the NYPD. His first tenure in the Bronx came in 2001 at the 50th Precinct when he was promoted to lieutenant and then to captain in 2005.
He served as the executive officer at the 47th Precinct before taking on the role of commanding officer of the Bronx Narcotics Division, covering the 47th, 52nd and 49th precincts.
Since his tenure at the 49th began last year, Nicholson has become well-respected and he has had a strong impact on the area.
“He has been an excellent partner in the community in attacking troubled areas of the precinct,” said Joe Thompson, president of the 49th Precinct Community Council. “The community is very pleased with his availability and responsiveness, and of course, getting the job done. He knows where to place his officers and personally goes out and handles situations. He is beyond deserving of this honor.”
Nicholson has been seen visiting problem locations on and off duty, making arrests for graffiti vandals, taking sound systems from homes that were reported for noise complaints, and making sure young teenagers aren’t out late at night causing mischief.
“I am very pleased and supportive of the action taken by Commissioner Kelly in promoting Captain Nicholson,” said Councilman Jimmy Vacca. “Not only is it very well deserved, but Captain Nicholson has truly earned it. He is very much hands on and very interested in his community and anybody you talk to will agree.”
