Motivational speaker Kimberly Harris got the crowd going at the Tropical Paradise Ballroom on Friday with a rousing plea for good cop-community relations in her Flatbush community and a call to adults about the type of legacy they would leave behind for their children. Such wisdom would be eye-opening coming from even an adult, but Kimberly is just 12 years old.
The thoughtful tweenie was among those honored by the 67th Precinct Community Council at the catering facility on Utica Avenue, between Foster Avenue and Farragut Road, where Kimberly — co-founder of the motivational Harris Family Vision Foundation with her 16-year-old sister Nekhidia — was presented with the Special Award by President Patricia Reddock for her community work, which includes giving a civic boost at schools, churches, in fact anywhere where there are people, said the grassroots leader.
“She’s amazing, she even told guests to close their eyes and envision what they would like to see for the future,” gushed Reddock, who tore herself away from the whiz kid long enough to present some other awards — this time to adults who have also made a difference in their neck of the woods.
The honorees were: Officer Tanya Barry, Louis Burgess Memorial Youth Award; Kings County pediatrician Dr. Dexter McKenzie, Education Award; Dawn Swaby, owner of Brooklyn Jerk Centers, Community Service Award; Officer Andreas Sergeant, Cop of the Year; and Darrell Massiah, Auxiliary officer of the Year.
The annual dinner, which Reddock has coordinated since becoming group president in 1996, offers a true blue salute to the Finest and the civilians they protect.
“It keeps an amicable relationship between the Police Department and the community,” said Reddock.
The plan of operation seems to be working.
“It’s a great feeling to be appreciated, if it wasn’t for the help of the community, police officers wouldn’t be able to do half of the jobs they do,” said Officer Shae Jackson, who attended the event.
— Shavana Abruzzo
