Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach

The Daily Plant : Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Ballfield Renamed After Fallen Police Officer Russel Timoshenko

Photo by Daniel Avila

On June 24, Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe joined Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro, State Senator Andrew Lanza, officers from the 71st Precinct, the Timoshenko family and members of the Midland Beach community to honor Police Officer Russel Timoshenko by renaming a field in his memory.

“Parks is honored to rename the Midland Beach Soccer Field in memory of Russel Timoshenko, who was valued as a community member in his neighborhood on Staten Island and as a police officer in Brooklyn,” said Commissioner Benepe. “Russel was known for his love of sports and his dedication to both his job and his community, all of which are values that can be learned and celebrated at this park in his memory.”

“Today we celebrate Russel Timoshenko’s life and honor his memory by lending his name to this soccer field,” said Police Commissioner Kelly. “It is a fitting tribute to a young man who was not only a model police officer but also an exceptional athlete — one who always kept himself in peak physical condition and exuded good will and enthusiasm. I know he will watch over and protect all who use it.”

Police Officer Russel Timoshenko, from the 71st Precinct in Brooklyn and a Staten Island resident, passed away in 2007 after being fatally shot while on duty in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The perpetrator used an illegal hand gun causing a nationwide outcry.

Russel Timoshenko was extremely valued as a community member in his neighborhood on Staten Island and as a police officer in Brooklyn. The number of his fellow police officers and neighbors that attended the ceremony is a testament to that.

Russel gave his life so that others may live and celebrate theirs. The Detective Russel Timoshenko Field will be a place for future generations to grow up and play and always remember the tremendous sacrifice that this brave young man made for the city he loved.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

“A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson
(1803 - 1882)