By Greg Austin, Chief of Police, Rye Brook Police Department, and Chair, Executive Committee, NYS Counter-Terrorism Zone 3
Apr. 15, 2015: Since 2004, the goal of Operation Safeguard has been to educate, promote, and remind citizens that the threat of terrorism is ongoing, and continued vigilance by the public, business sectors, and law enforcement is essential for the public's safety.
New York State is divided into sixteen counter-terrorism zones; Westchester and Putnam Counties are part of Counter-Terrorism Zone 3 (CTZ-3).
During the Easter and Passover holidays (April 3 to 11), law enforcement agencies in CTZ-3 conducted periodic security checks of religious facilities, train stations, commuter parking lots, bus routes, shopping malls, and public parks where holiday events may be held.
The increased uniform presence was not because there is a renewed threat to safety. It is simply part of the counter-terrorism strategy of continued vigilance.
Members of the NYS Counter-Terrorism Zone 3 Executive Committee are:
Chair: Chief Greg Austin, Rye Brook Police Department
Vice Chair: Chief Michael Cerone, Irvington Police Department
Vice Chair Chief: Betsy Gelardi, Dobbs Ferry Police Department
Vice Chair Chief: William Hayes, Westchester Intelligence Center
With each day, we learn of new tools and tactics that individuals who intend to impair our way of life may use to advance their plans. Be mindful of behavior that does not match the usual pattern of activity found within our daily lives.
"If you see something, say something." Remember, if you observe suspicious activity:
-- Do not confront the individuals(s)
-- Do not reveal your suspicions to the individuals(s)
-- Do record as many details as possible
-- Do notify local police agencies by calling 911 or their direct numbers or call the New York State Terrorism Tips Hotline at 1-866-SAFE-NYS (1-866-723-3697).
Bronxville is a quaint village (one square mile) located just 16 miles north of midtown Manhattan (roughly 30 minutes on the train) and has a population of approximately 6,500. It is known as a premier community with an excellent public school (K-12) and easy access to Manhattan. Bronxville offers many amenities including an attractive business district, a hospital (Lawrence Hospital), public paddle and tennis courts, fine dining at local restaurants, two private country clubs and a community library.
While the earliest settlers of Bronxville date back to the first half of the 18th century, the history of the modern suburb of Bronxville began in 1890 when William Van Duzer Lawrence purchased a farm and commissioned the architect, William A. Bates, to design a planned community of houses for well-known artists and professionals that became a thriving art colony. This community, now called Lawrence Park, is listed on the National register of Historic Places and many of the homes still have artists’ studios. A neighborhood association within Lawrence Park called “The Hilltop Association” keeps this heritage alive with art shows and other events for neighbors.
Bronxville offers many charming neighborhoods as well as a variety of living options for residents including single family homes, town houses, cooperatives and condominiums. One of the chief benefits of living in “the village” is that your children can attend the Bronxville School.
The Bronxville postal zone (10708, known as “Bronxville PO”) includes the village of Bronxville as well as the Chester Heights section of Eastchester, parts of Tuckahoe and the Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa and Longvale sections of Yonkers. Many of these areas have their own distinct character. For instance, the Armour Villa section has many historic homes and even has its own newsletter called “The Villa Voice” which reports on neighborhood news.
Village of Bronxville Administrative Offices
337-6500
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Police Department
337-0500
Open 24 hours
Bronxville Parking Violations
337-2024
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Fire Deparment
793-6400