Taking drugs off the streets of Sunset Park and Windsor Terrace is a dirty job and not everyone has the stomach for it.
Police Officer Justin Cracchiola excels at it.
The no-nonsense cop who dedicated his career to cleaning up the 72nd Precinct was honored for his both his diligence and tenacity recently as he was named Patrol Borough Brooklyn South Cop of the Month.
During a brief award ceremony at Patrol Borough Brooklyn South headquarters, Inspector Raul Pintos, the commanding officer of the 72nd Precinct, explained that Cracchiola joined the NYPD in 2000. In September, 2001 — just weeks after the attacks on the World Trade Center — the fresh face Cracchiola was assigned to the 72nd Precinct on Fourth Avenue.
In the intervening years, Cracchiola played an important role in bringing down crime in Sunset Park, especially in his role as a member of the street narcotics team, which he joined in 2006.
In 2009 Cracchiola was responsible for making 132 narcotic related arrests in the 72nd Precinct, Pintos said. Over the course of his career he has taken 824 criminals off the streets for a variety of infractions.
“Over the years he has demonstrated an excellent work ethic and drive in making Sunset Park and Windsor Terrace safer neighborhoods,” Pintos explained.
Chief Joseph Fox, the commanding officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, awarded Officer Cracchiola a Cop of the Month plaque. Offering him a celebratory smooch was his proud wife Kristen.
