NYPD Lt. Alfred Castagna retired yesterday after 37 years on the job, regretting that too many cops are quitting the force too soon, taking with them a wealth of knowledge and experience.
At a time when cops – frustrated with their salaries and with a public they see as increasingly distrustful of the police – are more and more likely to quit after 15 or 20 years on the job, Castagna, 59, is a reminder of a time not too long ago when it was more commonplace to work three or four decades.
Castagna joined the force in 1963, and as an officer in Harlem’s 30th Precinct, he was part of the Family Crisis Unit, the NYPD’s first coordinated, serious attempt to deal with domestic violence.
He also worked at commands in The Bronx and as a trainer at the Police Academy before joining Internal Affairs in 1993.
“I think you just know when it’s time,” he said. “I enjoyed the job and the people.
“I think it’s a very noble job.”