NYPD Officer Norkiss Andino is being honored by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Andino, from the 49th Precinct, is a veteran of the force for more than 20 years and a mentor through the Law Enforcement Explorers Program.
Officer Andino, who is Puerto Rican, says she can relate with the kids.
"I grew up in Spanish Harlem. I grew up basically poor just like them, striving to do better…I did it, they can do it and I push them," she says.
The program helps recruit kids for community service and plans events aimed at anti-bullying and giving back to the community.
"Seeing them succeed in life, having their parents call me saying, 'Thank you for making a change in their life,' that's rewarding to me," she says.