Russel Timoshenko Tribute

Russel and I were born just mere days apart in the same hospital in a small town in Belarus. Yet, we met here, halfway across the world in one of the biggest cities, during our first year as engineering students. To me he was not only my best friend, my brother but also my hero, our hero.

It is easy to see the reasons he joined and why he loved this job. It was a flawless complement to his personality and empathetic character. It provided him with the means to have a direct positive impact on the community he was part of, on the city he adored, on its people whose lives he saved and made safer.

Russel was an altruistic person with unrivaled compassion. Whether it was teaching me how to properly ride a motorcycle, or teaching neighborhood children how to play basketball, or giving his all to bring the Lacrosse team to victory, Russel was always there.

Five nights a week he battled in Brooklyn, he gave us his all until that dreadful night where our dear brother paid the ultimate sacrifice in order to make this a better place for all of us to live in.

Naturally cheerful and positive with a unique sense of humor he could bring a smile to anyone's face. I remember one time when I was sad, Russel came over and handed me a yellow donkey that would vibrate when you pulled its tail… It made me laugh at the silliness of it all and things just seemed brighter. That was his magic being able to make people happier.

Our parents came here with a dream to provide us with a better life, a dream that Russel will no longer be able to carry on. We all feel cheated that such a great person was taking away from us so young. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for having Russel in my life for I know he has made me a better person. Leonid and Tatyana, ”thank you" for bringing Russel into our lives; for raising such a great human being and for instilling values in him that are scarce amongst the rest of us.

Russel was radiant with life and boundless energy. Traits he did not hesitate to share with every person he met. He thrived from helping others, being around many kinds of different people and surrounding himself with fun loving people. That is why we are all here today, to honor for the last time, the person that touched and brightened every single one of our lives.

Russel was an extraordinary person who I’m proud to call my friend. He united us all and charmed us with his rich and noble personality. We are all truly grateful for having met him.

It came as no surprise to all us who knew Russel when at just twenty one years old and surging with vivacity he decided to join the very first lowest paying academy class of the NYPD. It was his senior year in College when this talented honor student chose this new direction for his life; one that took him away from lucrative successful careers in engineering and business to patrolling the streets of New York City in an endless struggle against crime and corruption.

I once read what makes a hero is not how he died but how he lived his life…. In a world where ethics and goodness have been distorted, Russell found his way to the path of righteousness and virtue. Well, my dearest friend, your actions in life have without a doubt secured you a place in heaven.

Russel, your dreams will never be forgotten, your life will not end in vain, and your passion will never be extinguished.

-Dmitry (David) Levin

Thursday, July 19, 2007

On the day that Russel Timoshenko graduated from the Police Academy in June 2006, I was honored to be there at Madison Square Garden to welcome him into the department.

When a group of people dedicate their lives to protecting you and your family, you feel a deep responsibility to make sure that every one of them comes home safely at the end of each day. It breaks my heart when that doesn't happen.

Russel gave his life so we could live ours - safely and peacefully.

On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want to tell you that we are deeply saddened . . . and eternally grateful. I promise we will do everything in our power to make sure that the men who committed this awful crime are brought to swift and full justice."

~ Michael Bloomberg

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Bishop Gabriel, members of the clergy, Mayor Bloomberg; to Russel’s father and mother, to the many friends and family members gathered here today, and to his fellow officers, on behalf of the New York City Police Department, I extend my deepest condolences. Russel was a remarkable young man. Only 23 years old, disciplined, ambitious, enthusiastic, inspired by love of his new country, motivated to serve his beloved city, and dedicated to the mission of the New York City Police Department. He came to the U.S. from Belarus when he was nine years old and quickly adopted American ways. We know that he was a gifted athlete.

His remarkable physical strength, speed, and agility emerged when he was just a boy playing basketball in Bay Ridge. And when his family moved to Staten Island, lacrosse became his game. Within days of the move, he met his next-door neighbor, the young man who would become a close friend, Nick Gentile.

Throughout high school and college, Nick and Russel would talk about a future in the Police Department.

While some friends tried to persuade him to join a department in another city - San Francisco, Phoenix, or Miami - Russel would not think of leaving New York. He loved the energy and the challenge of the city. And so, in January 2006, a year after his friend Nick, Russel joined the NYPD. Knowing that his parents would be concerned, he did not tell them until the end of his first day at the Academy, when he came home wearing the grey shirt and blue pants of a recruit. Even though it was difficult, his parents accepted and respected their son’s decision. I am told that when Russel graduated from the academy that June, in the top 15% of his class, his family gave him a party.

Russel stood up and said a few words in Russian, explaining why he wanted to become a police officer: “I want to go to work each day and help people,” he said. “I want to come home each night and feel good about what I have done.” After graduation, Russel was assigned to Operation Impact in the 70th precinct in Brooklyn. And this past January, to the 71st.

Russel was part of a loose-knit fellowship of officers born in Russia who helped one another. When they told jokes in Russian, Russel would translate for the benefit of those who couldn’t understand a word.

He worked the midnight-to-eight, the late tour, where his fellow officers recall his many acts of generosity - whether it was lending collar brass to a colleague, or offering to do mandatory overtime for someone who could not, or buying a meal for a friend. I have heard that he loved to make people laugh with his impersonation of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

I know that his commitment to physical fitness was legendary. When he worked the midnight shift, he would arrive at the precinct at 10:30 to get in a quick workout before the 11:15 pm roll call. Then, after eight hours on patrol, when others were exhausted and heading home, Russel would get in another workout.

He coaxed and encouraged his fellow officers to get in better shape. And he was famous for handing out power bars.

He had an infectious sense of fun and an exuberance that drew people to him. In his young career, Russel made 15 arrests, 3 for felonies, including, this past June, a rape suspect.

Russel made his last arrest on July 7th, just two days before he was shot. He apprehended an individual who was not only in possession of an illegal knife, but who also had four outstanding criminal warrants.

Russel never talked about the dangers of the job. He was simply devoted to the work and the opportunity it gave him to safeguard the city.

Russel had a tattoo of an angel on his back, an emblem of his role as a guardian here on earth.

When Russel got out of his patrol car in the early morning hours of July 9, he confronted mortal danger on behalf of all New Yorkers. He made the ultimate sacrifice so that others would be safe. We are obliged to his memory and to his family never to forget that sacrifice. And we won't.

Leonid, Tatyana, you will always be part of the NYPD family. May God bless you, and may God bless Russel, always.

All of the recent media attention to my family has forced me to think deeper about my relationship with Russel. Even though Russel, myself and Eugene are all cousins in reality we are siblings. Whenever anybody would ask me if I wanted siblings, since I am an only child, I would always reply no because I already had two brothers.

We were born together, immigrated to this country together and grew up together her in New York City.

Russel was everything that an older brother could be to a sister. Of course he teased me when I was little, but most importantly he was always there for me when I needed him. He gave me great advice, a shoulder to lean on and always had a smile and a joke to cheer me up. I looked up to Russel because he was a true role model for me and Eugene.

Whether it was through health and fitness or his courage and leadership. Next to him I always felt protected and had a strong sense of security. I knew no matter what was to happen to me he would be there to catch my fall.

Russel had a magnetic personality that enabled him to make a lot of friends. It seemed that no matter where we went he would always be the center of attention. He knew all the right things to say to make his friends feel better. He always excelled in whatever he did whether it was in school, sports or with his friends.

When I look back at Russel’s life it is obvious to me now that he was meant to be a police officer. He possessed the traits and qualities that are required to be and outstanding leader and a courageous, charismatic and compassionate. He was also extremely loyal to his family and friends.

Russel’s strength and bravery became apparent early in his childhood and only increased as he grew into an adult.

Russel Timoshenko was always a hero in his family’s eyes and he left this world being hailed as a hero by the entire city of New York. I had been blessed to have had such a special person close to me in my life. I love you Russel always and forever.

Till we meet again!

-Anastasiya Apanasyuk