NEW YORK (PIX11) -- NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry is from one of New York City's toughest neighborhoods, and at one point in his life, he says gang members tried to recruit him. Now he's an NYPD executive. Daughtry went from LeFrak City to deputy commissioner of operations.
"To hear them say, 'Kaz, we knew you would be somebody,' I'm excited about it," Daughtry said.
Days after his promotion, Daughtry invited PIX11 News back to his old stomping grounds to speak with reporter Nicole Johnson, who is also from the same neighborhood.
The neighborhood was once overshadowed by crime, gangs and drugs back in the 1980s and 1990s during the crack epidemic.
"I remember seeing vials of crack, red, blue, yellow tops, and I remember someone getting shot back there. I was walking out of that building and heard it, then seeing a young lady holding her pocketbook on the guy's neck," Daughtry said.
As a child growing up there, everyone had their hands on Daughtry's upbringing, so to see him navigate the rough streets to become one of the most powerful people in the NYPD is an inspiration to those who know him.
It was Daughtry's first time back in his old neighborhood in about 20 years. He remembers the local businesses and even times of struggle, having to eat rice and gravy.
"Every day I was at the pizza shop, and I even had to get one dollar rice. Times were hard," Daughtry said.
Over the years, NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey helped Daughtry with his career choice. It made his dream a reality.
"My dream was to be in law enforcement so I could help people," Daughtry said.
So what can we expect from Daughtry in his new role? He had a list of things he would implement, including adding more technology to policing.
Article From:
pix11.com
English (US) ·