Capt. Richard DiBlasio is taking over command of Bay Ridge’s precinct after its former commanding officer left to handle the Flatbush beat.
DiBlasio, 46, of Nassau County, formerly was in charge of investigations for the entire Brooklyn South command, a unit that oversees 13 precincts. Before that he was executive officer of the 61st Precinct in Coney Island.
His goal for the 68th Precinct gig, his first posting as a commanding officer, is to keep it steady as she goes.
“I hope to keep things going where they’re going,” said DiBlasio. “There’s a very good rapport with the police department and the community.”
DiBlasio picks up the reigns from Deputy Inspector Eric Rodriguez, who held the Bay Ridge gig for five years — a long time according to most cops; most commanding officers stay in a post for three years.
Rodriguez was known for his role in expanding the use of an e-mail bulletin system to keep the community aware of emergencies, road closings and crimes, said Ilene Sacco, president of the 68th Precinct Community Council.
Right now, the new top cop is getting his feet wet.
“Absorb everything and meet as many people as I can and keep it positive,” he said.
The six-eight is still getting to know its new boss.
“We don’t know him yet,” said Community Affairs officer Anthony Curran. “We’re excited for him. Five years with Deputy Inspector Rodriguez is a great loss, but we’re looking for new challenges and helping the captain out and keeping the stability of the precinct.”
The 68th Precinct is a thankfully sleepy post, with only one murder in 2010 and none so far this year. Crime is down about eight percent this year.
