STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The holiday countdown is officially underway.
The excitement has set in and Staten Islanders are spreading the spirit of the season from shore to shore with yuletide gatherings popping up all over town.
Meanwhile, in Dongan Hills, the Iron Hills Civic Association holiday party ushered in the merriest, most wonderful time of year with their annual meeting and winter get together at the Richmond County Country Club.
Each year the festive evening draws some 150 revelers that includes association members, family members and friends, community leaders and elected officials.
Alice Diamond and Dr. Mohammad Khalid. (Steve White for the Staten Island SILive.com)Steve White
Dr. Mohammad Khalid, the association’s president since 1996, organizes the festive event alongside dinner co-chairs Rosanne Clift, secretary of the board, and board member Carol Ann Benanti.
NYPD Chief Melissa A. Eger, center, Dr. Mohammad Khalid and members and friends of the Police Department. (Steve White for the Staten Island SILive.com)Steve White
Lauded for her dedication and service to Staten Island was NYPD Chief Melissa A. Eger, commanding officer of Patrol Borough of Staten Island.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by David Lehr and the National Anthem sung by entertainer/song stylist Charlie Romo, who also provided the musical entertainment throughout the evening singing the sounds of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Paul Anka.
Entertainer Charlie Romo with Drs. Jaya Kanduri, left, and Dr. Diala Steitieh. (Steve White for the Staten Island SILive.com)Steve White
Dr. Mohammad Khalid, center, his wife Dr. Shaheen Khalid, sitting right, and members and friends of the Iron Hills Civic Association . (Steve White for the Staten Island SILive.com)Steve White
From the left, Dr. Philip Otterbeck, Rosanne Clift, Dr. Mohammad Khalid, Assemblyman Michael Tannousis and Carol Ann Benanti. (Steve White for the Staten Island SILive.com)Steve White
In his opening remarks, Dr. Khalid, commented: “It’s a great pleasure for the Iron Hills Civic Association community to get together at our annual holiday party before the end of the year and celebrate the season with friends, neighbors, our elected officials and with new neighbors who’ve moved into our area. Ths year our honoree, Chief Melissa Eger, who is the commanding officer of the Patrol Borough of Staten Island, was honored by our community. Under her great leadership not only is our community safe, but all of Staten Island is protected under our great city Police Department.”
A LITTLE ABOUT THE HONOREE
Eger joined the Police Department in 1999 and began her career in the 70th Precinct.
Honoree, NYPD Assistant Chief Melissa A. Eger, center, and members of the Police Department. (Steve White for the Staten Island SILive.com)Steve White
She also served in the 88th, 123rd, 122nd, 19th Precinct, and in the Chief of Department’s Domestic Violence Unit.
She was promoted to sergeant in 2005, to lieutenant in 2008, to captain in 2014, to deputy inspector in 2019, inspector in 2021, to deputy chief in 2023 and assistant chief in 2024.
Currently the commanding officer of Patrol Borough Staten Island, Eger has also commanded the Chief of Department’s Domestic Violence Unit, the 19th, and 122nd Precincts and served as the executive officer of the 122nd Precinct.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice and a Certificate in Criminology from Rutgers University, a master’s degree in Criminal Justice in the NYPD John Jay College Executive Master’s Program, where she also received the Capstone Research Certificate of Excellence for 2021.
Eger is also a graduate of the Women’s Leadership Institute.
During her career, Eger has received numerous honors, including a Woman in History Award for Community Service in the area of Public Safety, and a Women of Distinction Award from the New York State Assembly.
“There’s no other borough that has the camaraderie and the leadership like Staten Island,” she noted. “Working on Staten Island is one of the privileges of my career and there’s no where else like our borough.”
She went on praise the outstanding leadership in Patrol Borough of Staten Island including Luigi Carrubba, the commanding officer of the 122nd Precinct in New Dorp, and the Staten Island Communty Affairs team.
“Thank you to my family, my husband and three children, who couldn’t be here tonight. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without my family. And I accept this recognition in the true spirit of partnership. And I wish everyone a happy holiday and a safe holiday.”
Susan and Dr. Allan Perel. (Steve White for the Staten Island SILive.com)Steve White
Charlie Romo, Maureen McNamara, right, and a friend enjoy the festive evening. (Steve White for the Staten Island SILive.com)Steve White
Members and friends of the Iron Hills Civic Association. (Steve White for the Staten Island SILive.com)Steve White
Members and friends of the Iron Hills Civic Association. (Steve White for the Staten Island SILive.com)Steve White
Members and friends gather for a festive evening. (Steve White for the Staten Island SILive.com)Steve White
THE IRON HILLS CIVIC ASSOCIATION
The Iron Hills Civic Association Inc. was established in 1964 and represents the neighborhoods of Todt Hill and Dongan Hills Colony. The founders of the civic association chose the name “Iron Hills” to honor the history of the numerous iron mines in the area that were prevalent centuries ago. There are nearly 1,200 members.
For additional information about the Iron Hills Civic Association, call Maureen McNamara at 718-948-7000.