Since 1917, the Detectives’ Endowment Association has proudly represented the most famed law enforcement members. The storied history of this organization is as legendary as the Detectives who are part of the union. The incredible challenges faced by Detectives are undeniable. Our rank is special in that a Detective can wear many hats in helping this city in many ways. As diverse as the jobs and needs are, so are the members who make up the union. For Team DEA 2024, an inclusive union is more than a vision. It is a historical reality.
I am proud of Team DEA 2024. This team includes new Detectives to the Board of Officers and veteran union officers in new positions. This team pairs new ideas with a wide array of experience and expertise to give all Detectives a voice in the union.
I am currently the DEA’s Vice President and will lead Team DEA 2024 as President.
I joined the Department 32 years ago, in 1992. I started in the 77 precinct and later transferred to the Brooklyn North Task Force. While in the Task Force, I worked in the Auto Larceny Unit in Brooklyn North. Later, I transferred to the Organized Crime Control Bureau and worked in Auto Crime. In 1997, I was promoted to Detective.
Having been elected to my first position as delegate at Auto Crime in 2005, I’ve continued to serve the DEA in various roles. I was elected as the Queens Welfare Officer in 2012 and then appointed to Sergeant at Arms in 2018. In 2021, I was asked to take the position of Secretary for the DEA. Finally, I was appointed to Vice President of the DEA in 2023.
With my 19 years of experience, I oversaw board officer elections, filed numerous grievances on behalf of our members, and participated in multiple committees, including the Collective Bargaining Committee, the Legislative Committee, the Strategic Planning Committee, the By-Laws Committee, the New Detectives Orientation Committee, the Health Benefits Committee, and the Annuity Funds Committee. In 2016, I was fully released from my detective duties.
I am the best choice to lead TEAM DEA 2024. Since my release, I’ve attended leadership programs such as the 19th Annual Police Union Leadership Seminar at Harvard in 2017 and the Cambridge Police Union Leadership Seminar in 2019. These certifications provide the knowledge and skills to lead the DEA into the future.
I have worked tirelessly for the DEA and our members and will continue to do so with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
As the first Hispanic Vice President, Rick Simplicio brings decades of experience, including firsthand knowledge of navigating the department’s maze of a disciplinary process that we know weighs heavy on the minds of members. From IAB investigations and the trial room to the unjust CCRB, he will be in your corner every step of the way – with a proven track record of getting the job done.
Jeffery (Jeff) Ward is currently the Union Secretary and will remain so for Team DEA 2024.
Jeff joined the Department 38 years ago, in 1986. He was promoted to Detective in 1995.
Having been elected to his first position as delegate in Staten Island Narcotics in 1997, Jeff continued to serve the DEA in various roles. He was elected Staten Island Welfare Officer in 1999 and then Staten Island Trustee in 2001. Next, he was appointed to the Borough Director position in 2018. As Borough Director, Jeff was responsible for Staten Island, Brooklyn South, and Brooklyn North. In 2020, he became the Treasurer, and in 2023, he was appointed to the Secretary position.
Before being released in 2020, Jeff worked at Staten Island’s District Attorney’s Office.
For the past 27 years, Jeffery has fought for our members’ rights and cared for numerous line-of-duty families. He will continue to do so with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Nicholas (Nick) Masi is currently the Union Treasurer and will remain so for Team DEA 2024.
Nick joined the Department 31 years ago, in 1993. He was promoted to Detective in 2008.
Having been elected to his first position as delegate at the 103 squad in 2012, Nick continued to serve the DEA in various roles. He was Queens Welfare Officer in 2018 and then Queens Trustee in 2022. Next, he was appointed to the Treasurer position in 2023.
Before being released in 2021, Nick served 28 years in the 103 precinct and detective squad. He is currently the Vice President of the NYPD Honor Legion.
Nicholas has and will continue to fight for our members and line-of-duty families with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
John Comer is currently our Borough Director for Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. He will remain in the position on Team DEA 2024.
John has been with the department for 31 years, the last 22 of which were as a detective. Prior to being promoted to detective. John held the position of PBA delegate in two separate commands, QSTF & Queens Warrants. After being promoted to Detective, John was then elected to DEA delegate in Queens Warrants.
John has vast experience handling allegations against our members. He will represent you with dedication, honesty, and integrity in any allegation claims against you.
John is also involved with the NYPD Football team and is now on its alumni board.
Anthony (Tony) Casilla is currently the Borough Director for Manhattan, Headquarters, and the Bronx. He will remain in that position for Team DEA 2024.
Tony joined the Department 34 years ago, in 1990. He was promoted to Detective in 1999 while assigned to Bronx Narcotics.
Having been elected to his first position as delegate in 2001, Tony continued to serve the DEA in various roles. He was Bronx Welfare Officer in 2014 and then Bronx Trustee in 2019. Next, he was appointed to Borough Director in 2023.
Anthony has worked hard for the last 13 years fighting for our members and line-of-duty families. He will continue to do so with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Greg Silverman is currently our Staten Island Trustee and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, having been elected to the position in May 2018. He will remain in these roles and be appointed as the Chairman of the Trustees for Team DEA 2024.
Greg brings 34 years of experience to our Ticket. He was appointed to the Department in April 1990 and promoted to Detective in July 1998. While working in the Auto Crime Division, Greg was elected to the position of Delegate in December 2003. He later moved to Special Victims, working in Staten Island. He was then elected to the position of Welfare Officer in April 2006. As a delegate and welfare officer, Greg handled numerous hearings regarding our members, including incidents of member-involved shootings and allegations of misconduct against a Detective.
Members need to be represented at IAB inspections, and Greg represents members with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Gilberto (Gil) Ortiz is currently the Welfare Officer for Headquarters. He will join Team DEA 2024 as the Seargent at Arms.
Gil joined the Department 20 years ago, in 2024. He was promoted to Detective in 2014.
Having been elected to his first position as delegate in 2021, Gil continued to serve the DEA in various roles. He held the delegate position in RTCC and the Photo Unit. Then, he was elected to the Headquarters Welfare position in 2022.
Gilberto is currently the Vice President of the NYPD Hispanic Society and is involved in many charitable organizations. He will continue to help our members and line-of-duty families with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Joseph Tallarine is currently the DEA’s Sergeant at Arms. He will join Team DEA 2024 as the Assistant to the President.
Joseph joined the Department 38 years ago, in 1986. After the Police Academy, he was assigned to N.S.U. 12 and then transferred to the 71 Precinct. Joseph has also worked in B.S.T.F., 68 Precinct, 76 Precinct, and 83 Precinct. He was assigned to the 83 Detective Squad in 2000 and promoted to Detective in 2003.
Having been elected to his first position as delegate at the 83 Squad in 2011, Joseph continued to serve the DEA in various roles. In 2016 he moved to Brooklyn North Homicide and was appointed to Delegate at Large the same year. Next, he was elected to the Welfare Officers spot in Brooklyn North in 2017 and then elected to the Sergeant at Arms position in 2021. Joseph is also the President of the NYPD Honor Legion.
With 13 years of experience, Joseph has worked hard for our members and line-of-duty families and will continue to do so with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Brian P. Maguire is currently the Headquarters Trustee and will remain so for Team DEA 2024.
Brian joined the Department 27 years ago, in 1997. He was promoted to Detective in 2004. Brian currently works in J.T.T.F. In 2005, he was elected to the Delegate position for J.T.T.F.
Brian has 19 years of experience with the DEA. In 2015, he was appointed Headquaters Welfare Officer; in 2022, he was appointed Headquaters Trustee.
Brian has handled many hearings involving our members and has worked tirelessly with our line-of-duty families. He will continue to work, help, and fight for our members with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Antonio (Tony) Esposito is currently the Manhattan South Trustee and will remain in thisrole for Team DEA 2024.
Tony became a Police Officer 27 years ago, in 1997. He was promoted to Detectivein 2002. Tony worked in narcotics and now works in the 9th Detective Squad.
In 2015, Tony was elected to the delegate position for the 9thsquad. Then, he was elected as the Welfare Officer for Manhattan South in 2019 and Trustee for Manhattan South in 2021.
In 2015, Tony was elected to the delegate position for the 9thsquad. Then, he was elected as the Welfare Officer for Manhattan South in 2019 and Trustee for Manhattan South in 2021.
John Hourican is currently the Manhattan North Trustee and will remain in this role for Team DEA 2024.
John became a Police Officer 31 years ago, in 1993. He was promoted to Detective in 1998.John currently works for Manhattan North Narcotics.
In 2009, John was elected to the delegate position for Manhattan North Narcotics.Then, he was elected as the Welfare Officer for Manhattan North in2014 and Trustee for Manhattan North in 2018.
In the last 15 years, John has helped numerous detectives on and off duty. He will continue to supportour members with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Carlos Lozado is currently our Bronx Welfare Officer, having been elected to the position in September 2023. He will join Team DEA 2024 as the Bronx Trustee.
Carlos started his career as a Police Officer in July 2002 and was promoted to the rank of Detective in November 2009. He became the delegate at Bronx Narcotics in October 2020.
Prior to his 22 years of service, the last 15 of which were as a detective, Carlos worked for the American Red Cross in NYC during 9/11. That experience will be a plus in his role as Bronx Trustee.
Carlos also brings to the team his experience in representing our members in hearings. He will represent you with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Christopher (Chris) Shilling is currently the Brooklyn North Trustee and will remain so for Team DEA 2024.
Chris joined the Department 24 years ago, in 2000. He worked at the 83rd precinct before being assigned to Brooklyn North Narcotics. Chris was promoted to Detective in 2006.
In 2009, Chris was elected to the delegate position for Brooklyn North Narcotics. Then, he was elected as the Welfare Officer for Brooklyn North in 2016 and Trustee for Brooklyn North in 2017.
Christopher has 15 years of experience helping our members and line-of-duty families with hearings and trials and will continue to do so with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Brian Myers is currently the Brooklyn South Welfare Officer, having been elected to the position in 2022. He will join Team DEA 2024 as the Brooklyn South Trustee.
Brian joined the Department 32 years ago, in 1992. He was promoted to Detective in 2000 while working in Brooklyn South Narcotics. Brian now works in the 68th Detective Squad. In 2008, he was elected to the delegate position for the 68th squad.
Brian has 16 years of experience working for our members and line-of-duty families. He has been involved in many hearings and CCRB investigations. He will continue to fight and protect our members with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Ronald (Ron) Luparello is currently the Queens Trustee and will remain so for Team DEA 2024.
Ron joined the Department 29 years ago, in 1995. He was promoted to Detective in 2006. Ron became the Queens narcotics Delegate in 2019. In 2022, he was elected to the Queens Welfare Officer position. In 2023, he took over as the Queens Trustee.
Ron has 5 years of experience with the DEA. He is committed to helping our members and line-of-duty families with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Daryl Harris will join Team DEA 2024 as Headquarters Welfare Officer.
Daryl joined the Department 31 years ago, in 1993. He was promoted to Detective in 2015. Daryl has been a DEA delegate in two different offices. In 2016, he was the delegate in Manhattan South Grand larceny, and in 2021, he represented the Drug Enforcement Task Force. Daryl currently works for the Drug Enforcement Task Force.
With his 8 years of experience with the DEA, Daryl will continue to be there for our members and line-of-duty families with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Ryan Johnston is currently the Manhattan South Welfare Officer and will remain in this role for Team DEA 2024.
Ryan became a Police Officer 16 years ago, in 2008. He was promoted to Detective in 2015. Ryan currently works in the10thsquad.
In 2017, Ryan was elected to the delegate position for the 10th squad. Then, he was elected as the Welfare Officer for Manhattan South in 2021.
In the last seven years, Ryan has handled numerous hearings, trials, and IAB investigations involving our members and line-of-duty families. He will continue to help our members with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Richard (Rich) Baboolal is currently the Manhattan North Welfare Officer and will remain in this role for Team DEA 2024.
Rich became a Police Officer 24 years ago, in 2000. He was promoted to detective in 2014. Rich currently works in the 33rdsquad.
In 2017, Rich was elected to the delegate position for the 33rd squad. Then, he was elected as the Welfare Officer for Manhattan North in 2021.
In the last seven years, Richard has been involved in many hearings and cases involving member disciplinary actions, fighting alongside the member. He will continue to help our members with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Cristina Reyes will join Team DEA 2024 as the Bronx Welfare Officer.
Cristina joined the Department 19 years ago, in 2005. She began in PSA7 & Housing Borough Bronx/Queens IRT and worked there from 2005-2010. In 2010, she moved to Manhattan North 33 precinct and worked there from 2010-2012.
Cristina was promoted to Detective in 2012 and assigned to the 45 squad, where she still works. In 2018, she became delegate of the 45 squad and PSA8.
Cristina will be the first woman to serve on the board. We will look to her to inform decision-making and ensure female members are supported in every way. She will support all members with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
David Lambert is currently the Brooklyn North Welfare Officer and will remain in this role for Team DEA 2024.
David joined the Department 25 years ago, in 1999. He started on patrol at the 79th precinct and then moved to the 79th Detective squad. He was promoted to Detective in 2012.
In 2016, David was elected to the delegate position for the 79th squad. Then, he was elected as the Welfare Office for Brooklyn North 2021.
In the last eight years, David has been representing our members and line-of-duty families. He will continue to do so with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Peter Keszthelyi will join Team DEA 2024 as the Brooklyn South Welfare Officer.
Peter joined the Department 29 years ago, in 1995. In 2001, Peter was assigned to ESU Truck #1. Then, he was promoted to Detective in 2003. Peter later became a delegate in 2015. He is currently at Floyd Bennett Field, where he is a delegate for S.O.D. and E.S.U.
For the last 9 years, Peter has been involved in hearings and several police-involved shootings. He will continue to be there for our members with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Christopher (Troy) Alden is currently our Queens Welfare Officer and will remain so for Team DEA 2024.
Troy joined the Department 27 years ago, in 1997. He was promoted to Detective in 2007. Troy currently works in Queens South Homicide. In 2015, Troy was elected to the delegate position for Queens South Homicide. Then, he was elected to the Welfare Officer position in 2023.
With over 9 years of experience with the DEA, Troy will continue to help and fight for our members and line-of-duty families with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Ray Wittick is currently our Staten Island Welfare Officer and will remain in the position on Team DEA 2024.
Ray has 31 years of experience with the Police Department. He was appointed in August 1993 and promoted to Detective in December 1999 while assigned to narcotics in Brooklyn. He later transferred to Staten Island Narcotics. He became the delegate in narcotics in April 2010. In his 25 years as a detective in narcotics, Ray has gained numerous experiences from different enforcement units. He brings those experiences to the team.
Ray has been involved in a variety of incidents, helping our members on and off duty. He will continue to support our members with dedication, honesty, and integrity.
