Guardian Angels once again patrolled Greenport Tuesday night — and this time, new, local members were present, learning the ropes and, by their own accounts, leaving a legacy for those they seek to protect.
The volunteer organization headed to Greenport to begin patrols after a brutal shooting and machete attack in October. Patrol leader Benjamin Garcia spoke to congregants at a Spanish-language mass at St. Agnes last month, asking if those present were interested in joining the initiative to fight back against gangs in the village.
On Monday, the new recruits spoke to SoutholdLOCAL about what had compelled them to don the red jackets and berets that are the hallmark of the Guardian Angels — and to hit the streets.
“I have kids, a 14 year old and an 18-month old,” said Oscar Cruz of Greenport. “Every generation, they’re waiting for help from the outside, or waiting for cops to do the job. I want to make a difference. If we can do something about leaving our streets safe for our children, for the future, even if we catch one bad guy, it will make a difference.”
He added, “It’s better to start today to make a change, rather than waiting for the next generation.”
Oscar Sanchez said he has long been motivated to get involved after Eber Lopez, 15, of Greenport was shot by alleged gang members in 2009. The teen, who went missing after a christening, was found in Farmingville.
Sanchez he knew the boy, and since his death, always felt the need to do something to stem the tide of gang activity in his own community. “He was at a party with gang members. And then he was shot,” he said.
“I like helping the community,” added Minor Barcarsel of Greenport.
Gabriel Gonzales said he joined the effort “to clean up the community and get rid of the gangs. We want to protect all the children.”
During Monday night’s patrol, Garcia said the group walked along Front Street near St. Agnes to the sound of drivers honking their horns and calling out thanks. Congregants, he said, offered the patrol food and soda.
“We were there to patrol, to make sure everyone is safe,” Garcia said. Additional members will be joining, Garcia said he learned Monday night. “They are tired of the gangs in the community. They want their community safe. And I will help them to keep the community safe.”
To that end, Garcia said the next time the Guardian Angels patrol Greenport, recruits have each been asked to bring one additional person; he plans to bring an additional Guardian Angel from New York City.
“Last night, the new members said they joined the Guardian Angels because they want to protect their families and neighbors,” he said.
Earlier this month, Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, told SoutholdLOCAL that he was pleased with the turnout of local new recruits. “When Sister Margaret gave us a chance to speak to the immigrant community, many naysayers said, ‘Oh, watch, nobody from their community will sign up for the Guardian Angel patrol.’ Well, 14 signed on in a public display to join. A week later, the same naysayers said, ‘Yeah, but they won’t put on the red beret and be seen by the gangs patrolling Greenport.’ Well, seven new recruits showed up and went out on their first training patrol. They did so in a downpour of rain and on a day where, earlier, the visiting New York City Guardian Angels went from store to store, warning the gang bangers standing around that from now on there would be zero tolerance in full effect. No threats to store owners, no shakedowns of the customers and no sexual harassment of the women would be tolerated.”
Sliwa added, “Not only did the new immigrant Guardian Angels come out, but they talked also about the need of setting up Guardian Angel patrols in El Salvador where most of these problems emanate from. I realize that we will have many challenges ahead, but we are off to a great start.”
One woman, who declined to be named out of fear for her own safety, confirmed Monday night that she hoped to join the Guardian Angels; she was moved to take action after her brother was almost assaulted by a known MS-13 gang member in Greenport.
Another employee of a local business who saw the Guardian Angels gathered outside Monday night said she was happy to see them in the village. “Having them here means more security,” she said.
