Glen Cove Police Chief Honored By For Connecting Community And Police

GLEN COVE, NY — The North Shore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will recognize outstanding local leaders at their 2022 Annual Holiday Gala Thursday. One will be Glen Cove Police Deputy Chief Chris Ortiz, for his work strengthening relationships between the police and the community, the Chamber says.

"His role as an officer has always been defined by service to the community," the event's biography of the Glen Cove native reads. Ortiz has served as a youth mentor, worked with groups like La Fuerza Unida, the Community Committee of Substance Abuse Free Environment (SAFE) Glen Cove and the Glen Cove Junior Football Association, the Chamber said.

Ortiz, the first Hispanic Glen Cove police chief, also created Glen Cove Police Department’s National Night Out Against Crime "where the community is invited to bond with the Police Department in a partnership to combat crime in our community."

Ortiz told Patch the accolade was unexpected, but that he "very honored and delighted to receive the recognition."

Ortiz was a NYPD officer before transferring to Glen Cove Police in 1997. He told Patch that being able to serve as an officer in his home city is "an opportunity to make an impact in the community."

"I tell all the new officers that when they are onboarding. Most of us grew up here and now we have this unique opportunity.

"When people need help, whether it's as a victim of crime or just navigating services, we are here to help."

Ortiz says he wants to continue focusing on the "continuing the great partnership" Glen Cove has between its police force and the community as a whole, pointing to Glen Cove's ranking of safest city of its size.

"The community works with us," he said, reporting crimes, giving tips. "We all grew up here together."

The Gala will be held at The Metropolitan in Glen Cove on Thursday at 6 p.m.