NYPD Chief Charles Scholl, Long Time Friend of Jewish Community, Dies at 64

By Reuvain Borchardt

BROOKLYN — Retired NYPD Chief Charles “Chuck” Scholl, who had a close relationship with the Orthodox Jewish community during his 41-year police career, died Friday at the age of 64.

Scholl, who grew up in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Caroll Gardens, received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Police Science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and received the Police Foundation Scholarship Award, given to the member of the NYPD with the highest GPA. He began his career in 1979 as a patrolman in Bedford–Stuyvesant. One year later, he started working in Williamsburg, beginning a friendship with the Orthodox community that would last for the rest of his life.

He retired at the end of 2020, as executive officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South.

“I had a very heartwarming and self-satisfying career; 41 years went by fast,” Scholl told Hamodia in an interview upon his retirement.

Scholl was a ubiquitous presence at community events, a jovial personality everyone would gravitate to. He loved and was loved by community members and officials alike.

He was close with many community volunteer organizations, who frequently presented him with awards for his friendship and dedication.

“To this day – Shomrim, Shmira, Hatzolah, Chaveirim, Misaskim, Chesed Shel Emes – I wish more people acknowledged their great work,” Scholl told Hamodia when he retired. “Many times through the years, they presented me with an award, but it should have been the other way around. I thank them and the Jewish community for all that they do, and their support and friendship throughout the years.”

Scholl, was found dead Friday in his Carolll Gardens home. He had not been feeling well for the past few days.

His funeral will be held Wednesday. He will be buried at Greenwood Cemetery.

Jewish officials told Hamodia they were shocked and saddened to learn the news.

“Chief Scholl always tried to do the right thing for our community, that’s for sure,” clergy liaison Yankie Meyer told Hamodia. “He was there for us always, in good times and bad.”

“Chief Scholl was my mentor. I met him before I was police officer, when I was a police explorer at 15 years old,” said an emotional Inspector Richie Taylor. “I always saw in him that he was the shining example of what a police officer should be. He took the time to mentor those who he saw would learn from him. And made the issues and the concerns of the community personal to him.”

“This is truly a huge loss to the NYPD family and our community,” said Councilman Kalman Yeger. “Chuck Scholl was deservedly beloved by all who knew him. He became a part of our community, not just because it was his job, but because he loved us. In good times and bad, we could always count on Chuck to be there as a calming force in a chaotic city. Even after his retirement, he still showed up, frequently joining our community’s events and just hugging old friends. Chuck will be missed, and will always be loved.”

—

rborchardt@hamodia.com