Left to Right: Community Council President Larry O’Neill and Captain David Miller (10th Precinct Commander) honor Officer Eric Rivera for his exemplary Christmas Eve actions.
The night was far from silent, but at least it wasn’t violent — thanks to Officer Eric Rivera’s quick response and calm demeanor. On Christmas Eve, Rivera was called to 264 Tenth Ave., to investigate a 911 call about a loud family dispute. Already in the area for a previous complaint of violence, Rivera arrived at the location in under 30 seconds. There, he encountered a mother and son in a heated verbal exchange, with the son punching a wall. When the son made a move for a bag placed near the doorway, the mother said, “No, he’s got a gun in the bag!” Rather than make a provocative move of his own, Rivera asked the mother to give him the bag, which she did. It contained a .44 Magnum (a particularly powerful weapon known as the “Dirty Harry gun”). The son made a run for it, and Rivera apprehended him after a brief pursuit — then took him into custody.
For skillfully diffusing the situation, Rivera was awarded the 10th Precinct’s Cop of the Month award, at the January 29 Community Council meeting. Captain David Miller (precinct commander) and Larry O’Neill (president of the council) called Rivera to the podium, where he received a citation from the State Assembly, and recognition from the offices of State Senator Brad Hoylman, Assemblyman Richard Gottfried and City Councilmember Corey Johnson.
