Lieutenant Quathisha Epps of the 47 Precinct can add one more honor to her 11-year career with the NYPD, Hero of the Game, given by the Brooklyn Nets during their recent game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Lieutenant Epps, who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer, works as operations coordinator for the precinct, which covers Wakefield and Woodlawn in the Bronx. But her reach covers the entire city. She serves as a manager for the NYPD’s men’s basketball team and is a co-instructor of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People at the Police Academy.
That class, which is led by the NYPD’s Chief of Transit, Joseph Fox, gives her the inspiration to help her through her illness.
“It gives me a positive attitude,” Lieutenant Epps said. “When I’m starting to run a little low, it’s time to start back up and that gets me going again.”
Inspector Ruel Stephenson, commanding officer of the 47 Precinct, is a mainstay in community relations. Lieutenant Epps recently helped precinct personnel distribute more than four thousand book bags and school supplies at the start of the school year. She also oversaw the decoration of the precinct as a gingerbread house during the holidays, hosting more than five thousand kids who received gifts courtesy of the NYC Police Foundation and other community partners.
“She is ambitious, compassionate, and reliable,” said Inspector Stephenson. “It’s a real blessing having her around.”
While the Nets lost the January 6 game to the Cavaliers, the game was a win for Lieutenant Epps, a mother of three, whose family and co-workers were on hand to see her honored on the court. She credits them, along with the community she serves, with helping her through her illness.
“I embrace the love that’s in the neighborhood,” Lieutenant Epps said. “I have people calling, checking my progress, how do you not keep a positive attitude?”
[NYPD NEWS]
