In recognition of Black History Month, the Yonkers Police Department is highlighting Major Case Detective Phil Yizar.
Question: Tell us a little about yourself.
Answer: I was born in Mount Vernon and moved to Yonkers when I was 3 years old. I lived on 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 U.S. Army with a three-year commitment as an Avenger Crew member (14S). I went to boot camp at Fort Sill, Okla., 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, N.Y., which was approximately a 20 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 first and fourth precincts. In addition, I have served as a school resource officer, worked in the Community Affairs Division, and am currently assigned to the Detective Division.
Q: What did you do before you became a police officer?
A: 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. 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 months I worked as the assistant director of Camp Ray’s, a summer camp run by the City of Yonkers Department of Parks and Recreation.
Q: Why did you become a police officer?
A: In most of the jobs I had, I always worked to help others. I wanted to give back to my community.
Q: What do you like most about being a police officer?
A: 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 incidents. I work with an awesome group of detectives who are very knowledgeable and great at what they do.
Q: What advice would you give a young adult thinking about joining law enforcement?
A: For those who are serious about a career in law enforcement, I would suggest they prepare for the test (written and 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 a physical agility test that consists of push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run. It’s important to be prepared for the agility test because if you fail any of the three physical tests, you will be disqualified and not eligible to be hired. Be prepared.
Q: How do you feel about eating breakfast foods for dinner?
A: I think I can eat bacon, egg and cheese anytime of the day (salt, pepper, ketchup).
Thanks, Det. Yizar, for your service to the people of Yonkers.
