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Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today renamed a Brooklyn street after former Police Chief Patrick Brennan. The Mayor was joined by First Deputy Police Commissioner Patrick E. Kelleher and members of Chief Brennan's family for the outdoor ceremony.
"Patrick Brennan was a model Police Officer," Mayor Giuliani said. "Not only was he respected by the communities he served, he was loved. He set an example for his family, his friends and his fellow police officers through his dedication and faith. He set so strong an example that two of his children have followed in his footsteps and become Police Officers as well. They carry on the legacy that we are honoring today with this renaming."
First Deputy Police Commissioner Patrick E. Kelleher said, "To be in Pat Brennan's company was to be reminded of everything a cop should be-- strong committed, and most of all, compassionate. He was proud to be a police officer, proud to serve the City he loved, and this dedication will ensure that future generations of New Yorkers who travel this street or hear the name Chief Patrick Brennan Way will be reminded of a great man who gave so much to New York City."
Patrick Brennan was born on August 1, 1935 in County Mayo, Ireland. In 1959 he emigrated to the United States and settled in Brooklyn. In 1965, Patrick Brennan joined the New York City Police Department and was assigned to the 84th Precinct in downtown Brooklyn. During a long and accomplished career he served in various precincts in Brooklyn and Manhattan. In 1973, he was promoted to Sergeant and continued to rise through the ranks until he was named Assistant Chief of Police in 1997 and was the Commander of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South. He remained in that capacity until his retirement in 1998.
Chief Brennan was an active member of the Emerald Society and Honor Legion, and also an active parishioner at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, where he served on the Parish Council. Unfortunately, Chief Brennan died of cancer on May 29, 1999.
In March of this year, the Mayor signed the legislation officially changing the name of 58th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue in Brooklyn to "Chief Patrick Brennan Way". The bill was sponsored Council Member Rodriguez.