100th Precinct Bids Farewell to DI Carol Hamilton

By Katie McFadden

After two and a half years as the commanding officer (CO) of the 100th Precinct, Deputy Inspector (DI) Carol Hamilton has moved on to her next role, but not before having a community sendoff, where many were sad to lose yet another CO, especially one that has become like a sister to many.

On Sunday, November 30, DI Hamilton was given a surprise sendoff at the 100th Precinct, where elected officials, community leaders and fellow officers gathered to bid her farewell before she began her new position at the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB) on Monday.

On June 22, 2023, Captain Hamilton arrived at the 100th Precinct, bringing with her 21 years of experience with the NYPD. She officially became commanding officer of the precinct by November 2023. In December 2024, Hamilton was promoted to Deputy Inspector and the time has come for her to move on to her next assignment with IAB.

“I really enjoyed my time here in the 100th Precinct,” Hamilton told the room full of community members. “If you treat the police officers that work in your command with kindness, treat the community with kindness, well, crime will always be there, it ebbs, it flows, but what’s constant is the police officers and the community. So, when you have that, the police officers, the community working together, we take care of crime. We’ll help solve whatever it is, we help deter whatever it is and that’s what I’ve experienced here in the 100th Precinct. I’m gonna miss everyone. You always have to move on and when you move on, you grow, but I won’t forget anyone here. You made my time here just wonderful.” Hamilton then went around the room, made eye contact with each individual and thanked them, sharing personal anecdotes with each.

Ed Lynch, a board member for the 100th Precinct Community Council and a member of the Belle Harbor Property Owners Association (BHPOA), laid out how connected the community has become with DI Hamilton. “Years ago, you got here, and we were introduced to Captain Hamilton. A short time thereafter, it became Deputy Inspector Hamilton, and a short time thereafter, it wasn’t Deputy Inspector Hamilton, it was Carol, my friend, who we love, and we are so thankful that you’re here. We’re going to miss you.”

That opened a flood of speeches from those in the room as they expressed their gratitude and praise for the outgoing commander. Joseph Edwards, on behalf of Congressman Gregory Meeks, presented Hamilton with a congressional certificate of merit. “I just want to say thank you for your impact that you have had on the Rockaways,” Edwards said.

Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-­Powers called the occasion “bittersweet,” as she acknowledged a fellow Jamaican woman leader who went above and beyond. “Just watching her serve this community has been amazing. There have been times I’m driving from Howard Beach into Broad Channel and if things are going on, I’d pick up the phone anytime, and she got in the car and said ‘I’m coming out there.’ I’m like, wait, where’s the officer and she’s like, ‘we are short, I gotta get out there and see what’s going on’ because she is that type of public servant. A community is blessed when you have someone that understands what it means to be in public service. I thank you, I celebrate you, I’m sad that you’re leaving, and I hope we get someone that could even fill half of your shoes.”

Lisa George, on behalf of Senator James Sanders, said she put in for a proclamation for Hamilton, only to realize that they already issued her one last year. “I remember when you first came, you know this community could be weary, but it didn’t take long for us to warm up to you and get to know you and I just feel so sad as that every time we get a good one, they leave. You will be missed,” George said.

Dolores Orr, chairwoman of Community Board 14, spoke further on that short window, and how she sat on a committee to help choose Hamilton as the 100th Precinct’s commanding officer after DI Carlos Fabara moved on in 2022. “I was so happy she was able to come here for two and a half years, and I think the NYPD needs to change that two years to four years,” Orr said.

With a big hug for Hamilton and through tears, Liz Geraghty, president of the 100th Precinct Community Council said, “Not only did she become our commanding officer, but she became family to all of us and nobody will ever fill the shoes of Carol Hamilton. I know I have never seen the morale of these officers as high as it’s been under your command. These officers appreciate you. You are family to us.”

Councilwoman Joann Ariola said, “I knew when we got a new captain at the time, that I would have a partner to work with, but I didn’t think I’d get a sister and extended family member. You took this community and made it your own. When Selvena and I are not complaining about our commanding officer, you know you did a good job. I will miss you dearly.”

Rosemary Gulston, a member of the Rockaway Beach Civic and the 100th Precinct Community Council, announced that she can add a new title to her resume as she became an auxiliary officer, inspired, in part, by DI Hamilton. “Her introduction to me was warm, it was different. She made it as if she were my sister, and this is my home as of tomorrow,” Gulston said.

Other community members like former Community Council member Ozzie Edwards, Brian Galarza of the American Legion, Pesach Osina of City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams’ office, Paul King of the BHPOA, 100th Precinct’s Youth Officer Detective Michele Coa, activist Theresa Racine, Community Board Community Coordinator Jeanette Garramone, Chaplain John Johnson, Florence Ferguson of the Friends of Beach 59th Playground, Addabbo Health Center CEO Renee Hastick-Motes, Detective First Grade Felicia Richards and NYPD civilian staffer Samantha, Menashe Friedman of Hatzalah and Community Affairs Officer Victor Boamah, also gave speeches before Rev. Joyce Dugger led a prayer to bless a feast, including a cake saying, “Carol, Best Wishes, You Will Be Missed,” which was enjoyed by all.

Captain Sachi Singh of the 101st Precinct will act as interim commanding officer for the 100th Precinct until a new leader is tasked with filling DI Hamilton’s shoes. “Thank you everyone for having me here at the 100th Precinct,” Hamilton said.