TLC’s Ryan Su Honored with Induction Into New York State Veterans Hall of Fame
Nominated by New York State Senator John Liu, Inspector Su is First Known TLC Staffer To Be Inaugurated
View photos of Inspector Su here

NEW YORK, NY – Ryan Su, an inspector for the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, is being inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in Albany on May 28, becoming the first known member of the TLC to ever be selected. Inspector Su was nominated by New York State Senator John Liu for his military service and dedication to law enforcement. 

“This is an immense honor for me. I wish to express my gratitude to my supervisors and colleagues at TLC and the community members for their trust and support. I appreciate the teamwork and unity within the Safety and Emissions department,” said Inspector Su, 41. “This award is not just for me, but also the individuals who have supported and trusted me – it is for the community. I aim to be an example for all my colleagues in law enforcement and the newcomers that join the TLC team by showing them that unity is a strength. When we are united, there is nothing that we cannot achieve – especially with the shared common goal of serving our community to enhance public safety.”

Su has dedicated his career to law enforcement, community outreach and impact, and was recognized by Senator Liu in part for his service in the United States Army. Inspector Su has spent five years with the TLC, starting out in Enforcement before transitioning to Safety and Emissions for the last three years.

“Ryan Su embodies everything that the TLC stands for – safety, service, dedication, and community,” said TLC Commissioner and Chair David Do. “His esteemed military career and induction into the New York State Senate Veteran’s Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor, and he continues to parlay his valuable skills to help licensees and community members each and every day.”

“Inspector Ryan Su’s induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame highlights his dedication to public service and safety in his community,” said New York City Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner James Hendon. “His time in the U.S. Army, coupled with his work at the Taxi and Limousine Commission, demonstrates his commitment to the Army core values. Su stands as a shining example of what it means to live a life of service and this recognition is well-deserved.”

“We all owe a debt of gratitude to Ryan Su’s extraordinary military accomplishments and service to our great nation,” said Deputy Commissioner for TLC’s Uniformed Services Bureau Ira Goldapper. “Whether it’s for the TLC, helping our veterans or volunteering in his community, Ryan Su has proven himself to be a model employee within the TLC family.”

“Ryan Su performs his TLC duties with pride and professionalism each and every time he puts on his uniform,” said Chief of Lane Operations Anthony Moran. “He has been an invaluable addition at our Woodside inspection facility, where he helps keep drivers informed, safe, and on the road.”

Added Su: “I want to give a special thanks to John Liu and his team for assisting me in getting this award, as well as TLC Chair David Do, my supervisors Deputy Commissioner Ira Goldapper, Assistant Commissioner Rubin Varghese, Chief Anthony Moran and everyone in the TLC community.”

In his current role, Su inspects TLC-licensed vehicles to ensure they meet TLC’s rigorous safety and emissions standards and are suitable for the riding public. He interacts with dozens of licensees a week, many of whom are Asian. Su’s ability to speak English, Chinese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Fujianese, and Taiwanese helps him to communicate directly to licensees, conquering language barriers while also helping to convey the TLC’s mission.

Su has also been recommended to become an ambassador for the New York State Veterans Court, a role which will connect him with veterans in need of services or support. He was nominated for the new role by Judge Marcia Hirsch, and Su will be honored for his work in the veteran community outside the Queens Court House at 125-01, Queens Blvd., Kew Gardens, on May 31 at 11 a.m. As someone who had to navigate his own transition back to civilian life, Su feels uniquely qualified to be able to help veterans who may be struggling or in need of assistance.
 
This role as ambassador will expand the outreach Su currently conducts with veterans. In addition to his current TLC work, Su also serves in two volunteer roles as the Director of Community Affairs at the New York State Fraternal Order of Police and Community Chief Director at the New York State Law Enforcement and Community Council. As part of these roles, Su assists law enforcement veterans who have questions about day-to-day life or need guidance about Army benefits or programs. Su also keeps an open line to active service military, and volunteers his personal time to find, reach out to, and work with veterans as they return from service.

Su expressed great appreciation for being inducted during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is celebrated every May.

“As an employee of TLC, I just want to be an example for all of my coworkers,” Su said. “We’re one team, and we need to continue to show that we care, and that we care about these drivers. This award represents not only the Asian-American community, but the bridge we have built between law enforcement and the public, and it is an honor to do that.”

Since Su interacts with many members of the Asian community, he sometimes helps do translations on his days off, showing an inspiring commitment to his work. Another instance of Su’s always-on-call mentality came on Jan. 1, 2024, when Su came upon a major vehicle accident on the Van Wyck Expressway. Su assisted in getting one of the drivers to safety, while also helping to get emergency service units to the scene.

The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame was created in 2005 to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life. For Su, his journey of service began in the United States Army from 2012 through 2015. He served in a variety of roles that encompassed Infantryman, Intelligence Analyst, and Anti-Armor Specialist.

Despite a training accident that led to a medically honorable discharge, he received several accolades, including the Army Achievement Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. In 2023, Su’s ongoing commitment to community service was recognized with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

Prior to his military tenure, Su was involved with the New York Police Department’s Auxiliary Volunteer Program from 2004 to 2011, which played a pivotal role in shaping his dedication to public service and community safety. Post-military, he also briefly worked for the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division.

“My commitment to service, both in and out of uniform, remains unwavering, and I am resolute in my mission to make a positive impact wherever I can,” said Su. “I look forward to continuing to serve and uplift our communities.”

About the NYC TLC

Created in 1971, NYC TLC is the agency responsible for licensing and regulating New York City's Medallion (Yellow) taxi cabs, for-hire vehicles (community-based liveries, black cars, and luxury limousines), commuter vans, and paratransit vehicles, along with the businesses that operate them. It is recognized as the largest and most active taxi and For-Hire Vehicle regulatory body in the United States.

Over 200,000 TLC licensees complete approximately 1,000,000 trips each day. To operate for hire, drivers must first undergo a background check, have a safe driving record, and complete 24 hours of driver training. TLC-licensed vehicles are inspected for safety and emissions at TLC's Woodside Inspection Facility.

To find out more about the TLC, or to review its rules, regulations, and procedures, we encourage you to visit our official Web site at www.nyc.gov/taxi or contact 311/311 Online.

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