In recognition of #BlackHistoryMonth, today the #YonkersPD is highlighting Major Case Detective Phil Yizar!:

– Tell us a little about yourself

I was born in Mount Vernon, New York and moved to Yonkers when I was 3 years old. I lived in Schroeder Street until I was 8 years old and then my family moved to Vineyard Avenue here in Yonkers. Throughout the years I attended Martin Luther King School Elementary School, Our Lady of the Rosary Elementary School, St. Joseph’s Elementary School, Sacred Heart High School and I graduated from Roosevelt High School. In 1994 I joined the US Army with a three year commitment as an Avenger Crew-member (14S). I went to boot camp at Fort Sill Oklahoma and attended advanced individual training at Fort Bliss near El Paso, Texas. I served one year in Korea at Camp Hovey and finished out my military career at Fort Drum near Watertown New York which was approximately a twenty minute ride from the Canadian border. In 2005 I joined the Yonkers Police Department. Throughout the years I have served as a police officer in the 1st and 4th precincts. In addition I have served as a School Resource Officer, worked in the Community Affairs Division and I am currently assigned to the Detective Division.

– What did you do before you became a Police Officer?

Throughout my teenage years and early adulthood I worked with youth. After returning home from the military I worked as a youth counselor at St. Christopher’s, an adolescent development facility in Dobbs Ferry, New York. I was then hired as a school safety officer by the Yonkers Board of Education. While employed by the Board of Education I was assigned to Mark Twain Middle School and Yonkers Middle School. During the summer month’s I worked as the Assistant Director of Camp Ray’s, a summer camp ran by the City of Yonkers Department of Parks and Recreation.

– Why did you become a Police Officer?

In most of the jobs I had, I always worked to help others. I wanted to give back to my community.

– What do you like most about being a Police Officer?

I enjoy working as a Detective. As a Patrol Officer in most cases you take the initial report and move on to the next call. As a Detective I enjoy thoroughly following up on investigations and incident. I work with an awesome group of Detectives who are very knowledgeable and great at what they do.

– What advice would you give a young adult thinking about joining Law Enforcement?

For those who are serious about a career in law Enforcement I would suggest they prepare for the test (written & physical). The written test is very competitive so a high score is necessary in order to get called. In addition, upon passing the written test there’s physical agility test that consist of push ups, sit ups and a 1.5 run. It’s important to be prepared for the agility test because if you fail any of the 3 physical test you will be disqualified and not eligible to be hired. Be prepared.