STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The PS 4 school community is mourning the loss of their beloved school security guard, Richie Chin, according to multiple social media posts.
Chin, 61, was described by many of the Arden Heights school’s families on Facebook as being one of the “kindest, sweetest, and most sincere people” they have ever met.
The PTA at P.S. 4 posted to their Facebook page how dedicated Chin was to the school. They said he shared a love for all students, family, and staff at the school.
“He was very proud to be a part of our school. He greeted you each day with a smile, had a kind heart, and made each day at P.S. 4 bright,” the PTA at P.S. 4 posted to their Facebook feed. “Thank you for always being a shining light and our protector. Richie, you will always remain forever in our hearts and will always be a part of the Maurice Wollin family.”
According to the 123rd Precinct’s Twitter, Chin was a school safety agent for the NYPD for six years. He began his career at Tottenville High School before moving to P.S. 4. Before becoming a school safety agent, Chin worked for the United States Post Service in Rosebank, where he was a supervisor.
City Councilman Joe Borelli noted that when he visited P.S. 4, Chin was always a welcoming person.
“He was always welcoming at the door,” said Borelli. “The students and faculty loved him.”
A faculty member at the school commented on Facebook that Chin was filled with “such enthusiasm on a daily basis," and more than just a safety agent.
“His smile made you smile. His laughter made you laugh. He thought nothing of helping you carry your bags, calling that your lunch delivery had arrived, or consistently cheering you up with encouraging words when he sensed you needed them," said the faculty member.
The Staten Island Advance interviewed Chin in March of 2020 about his experience running on a daily basis during the coronavirus pandemic. He was a competitive runner for almost five decades.
Chin started running in junior high school at Dreyfus J.H.S 49. and continued through Curtis High School’s track team. He was on the U.S. Postal Running Team and completed the New York City Marathon.
“To keep up with my training, I try to run early in the morning and late at night when there are fewer people around," Chin told the Advance in March.
It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to School Safety Agent Richie Chin. Richie was a member of the department for 6 years. He began his career at Tottenville H.S before moving to P.S 4 where he was loved and kept the children safe everyday. He will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/uAKRyKkKe2
— NYPD 123rd Precinct (@NYPD123Pct) April 24, 2020