White Plains Auxiliary Police Officers Promoted

Irene Daniels—who has served as secretary to the White Plains chief of police since she was 20—wanted to be a police officer herself, however, women weren’t allowed to join the police bureau in the early 1970s.

So, Daniels found her own way to protect and serve her community by becoming the first woman to join the city’s Auxiliary Police Division in 1975 when the city charter was changed to allow women to join.

“It’s been a wonderful experience,” said Daniels. “I thoroughly enjoy it and would recommend it highly. I know everyone has their way of volunteering—some volunteer in a food pantry or a hospital—this is another excellent way to volunteer, even though we don’t get paid it’s a wonderful experience. You get to meet the public, and it’s very rewarding.” 

A ceremony—promoting Daniels from sergeant to lieutenant and Jefim Piekarz from officer to sergeant—was held at the White Plains Department of Public Safety headquarters on Thursday.

The auxiliary police division is a volunteer division of the police bureau that assists at city events—like parades, races, walk-a-thons, fireworks displays, etc. Auxiliary officers also conduct traffic control during emergencies, including storms, hurricanes and large fires. 

“These volunteers act as our eyes and ears,” said White Plains Public Safety Commissioner David Chong. “They are part of our city’s civil defense. These dedicated individuals serve for the love of this city and the care of their fellow residents, and receive no compensation for their time and efforts.”

Auxiliary Division Capt. Michael Bellantoni said the department is always looking for new recruits to join the city’s volunteer civil defense team. To qualify you must be 20 to 50 years-of-age, be of good moral character, and live in White Plains. Officers receive basic police training and are certified. 

If you are interested in joining contact Capt. David Burpee, who serves as the liaison between the auxiliary division and police bureau, by calling 914.422.6220 or emailing.

“There’s never a dull moment,” said Daniels. “I wouldn’t change it for a minute. It really makes you appreciate what these police officers are doing in the streets.”

She received a certificate of commendation from the White Plains Department of Public Safety for the arrest of three burglary suspects, as well as commendations from the mayor’s office for her assistance during the black of 1977 and 2003—in addition to letters of appreciation from the public for her assistance at city events. 

Piekarz, a chief master licensed electrician, lights up when he talks about serving the community as an auxiliary lieutenant—his favorite part is getting to mingle and watch over his fellow residents at city events making sure everyone is enjoying themselves and having a safe time.

Piekarz, who is the range officer for the division, received the Public Safety Honor Aware in 2010 for responding to the emergency storm in March 2010 and has received letters of appreciated from the public for his assistance.

“We certainly appreciate all of the volunteers we have in our city, but the commitment made by the auxiliary police officers is really commendable," said Mayor Tom Roach.

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