After nearly four decades with the New York Police Department, Lt. Joseph Bell, commander of Highway District 5, retired on Wednesday following a distinguished 37-year career. Bell's service included escorting four U.S. presidents: Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush, as well as Pope John Paul II during his 1995 visit to New York City.
Bell, who joined the NYPD in 1989, rose through the ranks, becoming a sergeant in 1996 and a lieutenant in 2000 before taking command of the elite highway unit. He described his role as a motorcycle officer, a lifelong passion since childhood, as a dream job, stating he was "paid to ride a Harley-Davidson."
His final day on the job included a fitting capstone: apprehending a burglar in his own neighborhood. Bell recalled that his neighbor alerted him to a break-in, and upon arriving at the scene, he and his neighbor apprehended the suspect as they attempted to flee. This incident occurred the day before his official walkout ceremony.
During his tenure, Bell also highlighted a three-year period without fatal collisions while he was stationed at the 122nd Precinct in Staten Island, an achievement he considers a significant part of his career. Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella recognized his service with a proclamation of appreciation.
Bell expressed that the camaraderie with his fellow officers was the most challenging aspect of his departure. He plans to keep busy in retirement by restoring a 1962 Corvette and traveling. Reflecting on his career, Bell stated, "There was never one day that I was on my way to work and said I didn’t want to be there. I always looked forward to going. It was awesome. It was a great ride."