Leadership, 650 arrests and one baby’s life saved

The Ninth Precinct Community Council honored more than 45 officers and community personnel at its annual awards ceremony on Nov. 13 at The Cooper Union. Jerry Shea, the council’s former president, presented a surprise tribute plaque to Deputy Inspector Dennis De Quatro — above, at right, with his wife, son and daughter — commanding officer of the East Village precinct. Shea read aloud a quote on leadership by General George S. Patton emblazoned on the plaque: “It is the spirit of the men who follow and of the man who leads that gains that victory.” Police Officer Deryk Blair, left, with 25 years of service, 24 of them in the Ninth, was honored as Officer of the Year. During his Ninth Precinct career, he has made more than 650 arrests, 210 of them felony arrests. His first year on the job, he rescued an infant who was turning blue from not being able to breathe. Blair took the child and ran through the street in a heavy snowstorm until he reached the nearest hospital. Blair gave the baby C.P.R. along the way, saving the infant’s life. This year, Blair has taken part in executing seven search warrants, in which three illegal firearms were recovered.