Captain Gezim Palaj has been appointed as the new commander of Precinct 123 in Staten Island, making him the first Albanian-American to take command of a New York Police Department precinct. This leadership change is part of a broader reshuffle in Staten Island, aimed at placing experienced officers in key positions within the NYPD.

Deputy Inspector Eric Waldhelm, previously the commanding officer of Precinct 121, has taken command of Precinct 120. Captain Glorisel Lee, who formerly led Precinct 123, has assumed command of Precinct 121. Captain Palaj, a member of the Illyrian American Police Society, joined the NYPD in 2008 and has held various roles, including commanding the Strategic Response Group 5 in Staten Island and serving as the executive officer in Precincts 121 and 122.

The appointment of Captain Palaj was celebrated within the Albanian-American community. Imam Tahir Kukaj, a well-known figure and the NYPD Muslim Chaplain, posted about Palaj’s new role on Instagram, expressing his congratulations and highlighting the significance of this achievement for the community.