\u201cI did have to make an arrest yesterday off duty. Somebody broke into my neighbor\u2019s house and I had to go make a burglary arrest,\u201d Bell told the crowd gathered to honor his retirement.<\/p>\n
The arrest was a fitting end to a career that spanned nearly four decades, including 24 years as the commanding officer of Highway 5, one of the NYPD\u2019s elite motorcycle units.<\/p>\n
At the retirement walkout ceremony on Wednesday, officials from across the department, as well as Bell\u2019s friends and family, came together to recognize his service.<\/p>\n
Inspector Connor Wynne, commanding officer of the Highway District , praised Bell\u2019s dedication.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwenty-four years is a long time to do anything, let alone be a commander, particularly in a place like this, Highway 5 ,\u201d Wynne said. \u201cYour longevity and enthusiasm showed how much you love this place.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bell\u2019s impact extended far beyond traffic enforcement. For more than a decade, he and the officers of Highway 5 partnered with the Seton Foundation for Learning elementary school to bring Christmas celebrations to local students with special needs.<\/p>\n
Diane Taranto , executive director of the foundation, spoke emotionally about the partnership.<\/p>\n
\u201cLt. Bell, since 2013, you and the officers of Highway 5 have made Christmas truly magical for our students and our families,\u201d Taranto said. \u201cWe are so grateful for what you have done.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta , the former Staten Island borough commander, described Bell as a brother and recalled their decades-long friendship that stretched beyond the job.<\/p>\n
\u201cI see Joe as a brother,\u201d Gulotta said. \u201cWhen you reach this part of your career and somebody leaves, a piece of the job dies for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bell\u2019s career began in Brooklyn and took him through several Manhattan precincts before he landed on Staten Island 25 years ago.<\/p>\n
Lt. Miguel Estevez , who will take over command of Highway 5 , called Bell \u201ca special breed of cop.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re old school, but make no mistake, they don\u2019t make them like you anymore,\u201d Estevez said during the ceremony.<\/p>\n
A family of public servants<\/p>\n
Public service runs in Bell\u2019s family. His mother, Valerie Bell , worked for the NYPD for 42 years as a crossing guard. Bell and his mother were both honored at the ceremony, with Highway 5 members presenting flowers to Bell\u2019s mother and his wife, Deborah.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe kept me and my two brothers in line,\u201d Bell said. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m here today in the position I am because of my mother.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bell thanked his wife for supporting him through 37 years of unpredictable hours.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe put up with me for 37 years in the middle of the night, running out. \u2018When are you coming home?\u2019 she\u2019d ask. \u2018I don\u2019t know, maybe tomorrow night… Who knows?\u2019 I\u2019d reply,\u201d he said. \u201cShe stood by me in the good times or bad; whether I was right or wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speakers also included department chaplain Monsignor Robert J. Romano, Chief of Patrol Philip Rivera, Staten Island Patrol Borough Deputy Chief Terence Hurson and Borough President Vito Fossella. Bell received citations from multiple elected officials.<\/p>\n
As he handed over command to Estevez, Bell reflected on his time at Highway 5.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwenty-four years ago, my predecessor Lt. Jeffrey Fortunato, handed me the torch. He said, \u2018Joe, take care of my baby.\u2019 I hope I fulfilled that, Jeff,\u201d Bell said. \u201cToday, I hand that torch over to take care of my baby to Miguel, who I know will do a fantastic job.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bell then concluded the ceremony and his career by walking out with his family to embark on the next phase of his life \u2014 retirement\u2014 in the same type of 80s police cruiser that he began his career with.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n \n Readers said physical ability, qualifications and life experience should matter more than age, though some cautioned that retention remains the bigger staffing challenge\n <\/p>\n July 31, 2026 09:00 AM<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00b7\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n \n \u201cLet this be a reminder: That text or notification can wait. Keep your eyes on the road, not your screen!\u201d the Dunellen Borough Police Department stated\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n \n As San Diego officers breached a door inside the apartment, the man immediately swung a knife at officers and ran toward them\n <\/p>\n July 31, 2026 10:50 AM<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00b7\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n \n Jillian Olson, 29, began her career at the Lexington County Sheriff\u2019s Department in 2021, and had been a member of the dive team since 2024\n <\/p>\n \u00a9 2026 Staten Island Advance, N.Y.. Visit www.silive.com<\/a>. ![\"ChatGPT](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/.png\")
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