By Rick Pfeiffer
Niagara Gazette
NIAGARA FALLS —
With the passion of a revival tent preacher, Niagara Falls Block Club Council President Roger Spurback tried to rally his audience on Michigan Avenue on Tuesday night.
“I’m asking people to stand up and take their neighborhoods back,” Spurback said, his voice rising with emotion. “Do it from your heart. That’s how we do it!”
The crowd responded with applause and cheers as the block club council wrapped up its annual Crime Night Out program.
The event that looks to inspire community involvement in fighting crime and rewarding those who do, saw a parade of prosecutors and law enforcement professionals take to the stage in the 1100 block of Michigan Avenue, where the council was honoring its newest addition. The Michigan Avenue Block Club and its leaders and members were honored as the council’s Block Club of the Year.
“I am humbled to be up here,” Michigan Avenue Block Club President Sally Perez said. “But this is what (community involvement) is all about.”
Falls residents also had the chance to meet the region’s new top federal prosecutor, U.S. Attorney William Hochul. He said some his fondest childhood memories were trips to the Falls and now he’s happy to be back in a professional capacity.
Hochul said he was proud of his office’s role in a major racketeering case targeting the Bloods street gang in the Falls. He gave credit for the success of the investigation to information passed on from concerned people in the affected communities.
“We can’t do it alone,” Hochul said, “but it’s through the block clubs that we can turn the tide of crime.”
The prosecutor also made a promise to the crowd.
“If you see something, say something.” Hochul said. “If you say something, I promise you, every one of us on this stage, we will do something. All of us in law enforcement pledge to fight for you. Your presence here shows you’re ready to fight.”
The council also took the opportunity to honor Falls Police Superintendent John Chella as its Law Enforcement Partner of the Year. Spurback called Chella, “Not only a police officer, but our friend, our neighbor, our mentor.”
The block club leader also told the crowd the Falls police are the “best managed police department in the USA.” Chella was not about to disagree.
“I’ve got the best police department in New York state,” he said. “I’ve go the best police department in the USA. I accept this award for them.”
Like Spurback and Hochul, Chella sought to inspire the block club members who had turned out “take back their neighborhoods from crime.”
“This is your community, take charge and take it back,” Chella said. “Things are changing and we are on the move. I am proud to be the chief of the Niagara Falls Police Department.”
