Central Park

The Daily Plant : Wednesday, October 30, 2002

PARKS MOURNS THE LOSS OF ONE OF ITS FINEST

In the early morning hours of Thursday, October 24, a Parks Enforcement Patrol officer was murdered. Shakemia Wilson, 24, was fatally shot while off-duty in the Bronx. (An arrest has been made in connection with the case.)

Ms. Wilson joined Parks on August 19, 2002, as a POP/PEP CSA, an associate PEP officer. At the time of her death, she had completed PEP Academy and was assigned to patrolling Williamsbridge Oval Park in the Bronx.

Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe said "The death of any member of the Parks family is sad; this murder of a mother of two children is a terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ms. Wilson’s family."

According to Glen Rowan, Citywide PACT Security Coordinator, who was responsible for training Ms. Wilson, she had a very warm and engaging demeanor.

"She was reliable, and collegial to everyone she worked with," said Rowan. "It was a pleasure to have her in our ranks, though she was only with us a short while."

This mother of two was said to be very dedicated to her new career. Her job with Parks was to slated to last 6 months through the Parks Opportunity Program (POP) and she was likely on her way to full-time employment in the private sector. She had completed the POP Security Training Academy and received her 8 Hour Certificate for work in the field of security.

Rowan reported that Ms. Wilson set a good example for others. On the night of her death, she volunteered to work at the set-up for the Great Halloween Party in Central Park. Her supervisor, Ruben Dios, recalls her as being assertive and well-liked by her coworkers. "She had a very pleasant personality," he said. "She was very down to earth and was a concerned parent."

The mother of two was pursuing higher education and was enrolled at Hostos Community College and was set to receive her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2003.

Shakemia Wilson was a dedicated employee, a good friend, and a loving mother known for her warm demeanor. She will be missed.

Know Before You Go

Harlem Meer Center (formerly Lasker Rink)

Harlem Meer Center