ASTORIA — The commanding officer at the 114th Precinct left his post last week to join a new NYPD unit tasked with investigating police-involved shootings.
Deputy Inspector Kevin Maloney, who became the precinct's commanding officer in fall of 2013, is leaving to work for the newly-formed Force Investigation Division, a citywide unit that will investigate shooting incidents that involve police, Maloney said at the precinct's community council meeting Tuesday night.
"It's an honor to be selected to be a a part of this from the ground up, and get it off the ground running," he said. "It's a big undertaking. I look forward to it."
He will be replaced by Capt. Peter Fortune from the Housing Bureau's Police Service Area 5 in Manhattan, who is expected to take command of the 114th Precinct Wednesday.
"He comes with a lot of experience," Maloney said. "I'm sure you guys will be in good hands."
Community members praised the former commander for his leadership style.
"Respected by the people above him, respected by the people that work for him and respected by the members of the community," said Peter Vallone, Astoria's former City Council member. "He just leaves a great legacy here."
Maloney departs as major crime's down overall by more than 17 percent in the 114th Precinct this year to date, compared to the same period last year, according to the most recent NYPD statistics available online.
