Delis Says Farewell To 114th Community Council
BY RICHARD GENTILVISO

George Delis was honored and Lucille Hartmann was cheered. Delis is retiring next week and Hartmann is the prospective new District Manager of Community Board 1.

"[Delis] does so much for the community. I'm sure he's crossed everybody's path in 31 years as district manager," Ann Bruno, president of the 114th Precinct Community Council said.

Bruno presented Delis with a plaque from the community council for his dedicated service at its April meeting.

"We have the greatest community in New York to live in," Delis said.

Then he turned the spotlight onto Hartmann, saying, "She is the backbone of the (district) office. I can't think of a more qualified person."

"George and I were a great team," said Hartmann. "I have big shoes to fill."

Delis and Hartmann worked together for 30 years in the District Office. When he was hired in 1977, Delis became the first District Manager for Community Board 1.

"Every year, we prepare a capital budget," said Delis. This year, a new skate park will be constructed. "I'd like to see our waterfront developed," he said. "I'd like to see more angle parking."

Hartmann, a very strong candidate to become the second district manager for Community Board 1, will carry on.

Deputy Inspector Paul Vorbeck, commanding officer of the 114th precinct, presented Detective David Beutel and Police Officer Peter Mikulus with Cop-of-the Month honors for March.

Responding to complaints that cars were being damaged and broken into on 31st Drive, detectives at the 114th began to pore over arrest records for individuals charged with damaging and breaking into cars. Complaint reports were also reviewed- "a vast amount", Vorbeck said.

Beutel noticed that one individual had been arrested for breaking into a car by police from another precinct. Beutel called the District Attorney's Office and asked to speak with the man. This led to Beutel's identification of the individual as the perpetrator of 21 crimes, both felonies and misdemeanors, including thefts of global positioning systems. Four of the instances occurred in the 114th precinct.

"This was excellent police work, excellent investigative work and relentless follow-up," Vorbeck said.

Police Officer Mikulus was working the midnight shift with the anti-crime unit on March 4 when at 2:45 a.m., he and his partner heard shots fired while driving in the vicinity of Queensbridge Houses.

They began a canvass of the area and saw two individuals near a vehicle. Approaching them, Mikulus observed a gun in the vehicle. The gun was loaded, and the two individuals were arrested for possession and firing of a loaded gun.

"I'm happy to get another illegal handgun off the street," Mikulus said.

Vorbeck also announced that Club Liquid, a problem spot in the southern part of the precinct, has been closed down. A joint operation was organized and the club was closed on April 18.