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Jan. 31-Feb. 6, 2020
GENEROUS DONATION
Sister of late NYPD deputy chief gives $10,000 to Bayside hospital in his honor
BY JENNA BAGCAL
The sister of the late NYPD Deputy
Chief Steven J. Silks recently donated
to a Bayside hospital in his honor.
During the NYPD’s annual holiday
visit to St. Mary’s Hospital last December,
Cindy Dumais presented a $10,000
check in support of the hospital’s vital
services. During his life, Silks enjoyed
spending time with the children at the
holiday event and would often visit
St. Mary’s to spread “joy and compassion.”
“We are very grateful for the generous
donation made by Cindy Dumais
and her family on behalf of Policy Deputy
Chief Steven Silks,” said Sean Lally,
vice president of development, strategic
planning and external affairs.
“Officer Silks was beloved among the
staff and children here at St. Mary’s
and we miss his cheerful and warm
spirit. These funds will directly benefit
the children and care programs that
he supported and cherished.”
A month before his mandatory
retirement, Silks died in June 2019
from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot
wound. His 39-year career with
the NYPD began in 1980 and he was
promoted to deputy chief in December
2006. As deputy chief, he was the executive
officer of Patrol Borough Queens
North.
“He was a dedicated lifelong public
servant, an avid outdoorsman, a marathoner,
a mountain climber and most
Cindy Dumas (first row on the right) presents a check to St. Mary’s Hospital for Children in Bayside.
importantly, he was a friend,” said
former Police Commissioner James
O’Neill back in December.
Others like 112th Precinct Community
Council President Heidi Harrison
Chain remembered Silk as “a charming
and very intelligent man who loved
the NYPD.”
The $10,000 will go toward important
programs and services at St.
Mary’s, the only provider of pediatric
long-term and rehabilitative care in
the region since 1870. Hospital staff
and patients grew familiar with Silks
Courtesy of St. Mary’s Hospital for Children
through his regular visits, which
strengthened the ties between St.
Mary’s and the NYPD.
Reach reporter Jenna Bagcal by email
at jbagcal@qns.com or by phone at
(718) 260-2583.
Vol. 29 No. 5 44 total pages
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