Celebrating Heritage: NYPD Chief Philip Rivera
In his 13th-floor office at One Police Plaza in Lower Manhattan, NYPD Sergeant Philip Rivera proudly displays his Puerto Rican heritage. A large Puerto Rican flag, vibrant in red, white, and blue, occupies a corner, while a smaller version waves above his desk.
Decorative fluorescent wall hangings featuring national flags and palm trees adorn the doors, and various memorabilia are scattered throughout the office space.
Reflecting on his career, the 52-year-old Rivera shared his early experiences with the department, where he has dedicated 31 years of service. “We had Puerto Rican detectives, lieutenants, and sergeants,” he recalled, but noted the lack of representation at higher executive levels, which he believes has changed significantly over the years.
As a three-star chief reporting to Chief Michael Ripetri and Police Chief Jessica Tisch, Rivera recently spoke about his accomplishments—just days ahead of the city’s Puerto Rico Day Parade.
Inspired by family, Rivera mentioned that his father, Lt. Andrew Rivera, and his brother also served in the NYPD, referring to it as a “family business.” He pointed out that when he began, there was a noticeable Hispanic presence within the department.
With 36% of the NYPD now identifying as Hispanic and approximately 15,000 officers on the force, Rivera acknowledged the significant evolution since his father joined in the early 1960s, although it remains unclear how many are from Puerto Rico.
Rivera highlighted the milestone of Sergeant Estevero being the first Puerto Rican promoted to three-star sergeant in 2002. “It’s a huge honor to follow in his footsteps,” he said, expressing pride in achieving the same rank.
His roots run deep; with grandparents from the island, Rivera looks forward to participating in the upcoming parade, even if it means staying up all night after overseeing a police detail for a New York Knicks game.
“This is a celebration of our achievements, of Puerto Rico’s achievements,” he asserted. “There’s so much to be proud of, from business to education, all represented on Fifth Avenue.”
Rivera mentioned that his mother has always been his greatest supporter, stating, “Oh, forget it,” about the 91-year-old. She has been a pivotal presence, waving the Puerto Rican flag at every milestone. “It’s not just about me; it reflects the sacrifices made by those who came before us,” he remarked.
