Hunter College Community Honors Public Safety Officer Killed Last Year in East Harlem Building Explosion

The Hunter College community today celebrated the life of Sgt. Griselde Camacho, a seven-year veteran of the college’s public safety force who was killed in a building explosion in East Harlem on March 12, 2014.

Sgt. Camacho’s mother, Carmen Quinones, and son, Jaser, among others, attended a plaque unveiling ceremony at Hunter College’s East Harlem campus. Hunter College President Jennifer J. Raab presented a check for $10,832.25 from the college through the Griselde Camacho Memorial Fund, which was established by her colleagues and friends following her death and has raised a total of $18,062.

“Griselde was a beloved member of our community,” said President Raab. “She was an excellent officer who was as tough as she was kind, and remains deeply missed, especially among those who worked with her here at Silberman. It’s my hope that anyone who passes by this plaque, whether they knew her or not, will be inspired by her dedication and service to all of us in this community.”

Sgt. Camacho was a public safety officer at Hunter since 2008. In 2009 she was named the Campus Peace Officer of the Year and received the Lieutenant Award for Public Safety achievement. Until her death, she was assigned to the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College.

Hunter College also presented a check for $3,300 from the Hunter Supports East Harlem Fund to Hope Community, Inc., a non-profit affordable housing organization in East Harlem to support their efforts in relocating families affected by the explosion.