Community Safety Dialogue with Colonie Police Chief James Gerace

CCC had the pleasure of hosting Town of Colonie Police Chief James Gerace for a meaningful conversation on community safety. CCC members and local Chinese business owners joined us for an open and informative discussion.

Chief Gerace shared more about the Colonie Police Department, its community services, and resources available to our community. He also introduced the Police Cadet Program, which offers youth ages 13-21 an opportunity to learn about policing, public safety, and law enforcement through hands-on learning and training.

One message from Chief Gerace really stood out: If you have a safety concern, please reach out to the police. Don’t hesitate because of language barriers, privacy concerns, or any fear of “trouble”. The department is committed to helping overcome communication barriers, supporting residents and businesses, and securing individuals and community safety.

Chinese business owners shared their experiences and appreciation for the Colonie Police Department’s quick response and support when challenges arise.

As CCC continues to build bridges between our community and local institutions, we look forward to more collaboration in community programs, police station visits, youth opportunities, Chinese-language support, and community services.

Thank you, Chief Gerace, for joining us, listening to our community, and helping strengthen a safer, more connected, and inclusive Colonie. And thank you to our members for being part of this important conversation.

Together, we build understanding, trust, and a stronger community.

华社与Colonie警察局长举行社区安全座谈

8月19日，华社（Chinese Community Center, CCC）与 Town of Colonie Police Chief James Gerace 举行社区安全座谈。华社董事及本地华人商家代表参加了交流。

Gerace局长介绍了Colonie警察局的基本情况、社区服务以及与华人社区相关的安全事项和资源，并特别推荐了面向13-21岁青少年的 Police Cadet Program，让对警务、执法和公共安全感兴趣的青少年有机会了解警察工作并参加相关学习和训练。

Gerace局长在交流中再三鼓励华人居民和商家：遇到安全问题时一定要第一时间联系警察、寻求帮助，不要因为语言沟通、顾及面子或担心隐私等原因而有所顾虑。警局会尽力帮助解决沟通障碍，认真处理相关情况，维护社区安全。

几位华人商家也分享了亲身经历，表示Colonie警局在发生突发情况时出警迅速、处理及时，能够有效帮助商家解决冲突和安全问题，并感谢华社组织此次座谈，为华人社区提供了与警局直接沟通的机会。

双方计划今后进一步加强合作，在社区活动、警局参观、青少年项目、中文翻译及社区服务等方面开展更多交流，共同促进华人社区与当地警局之间的了解与合作。