Mayor de Blasio and the new incoming police commissioner share a fondness for at least one pastime — they both love long walks along the beach together.
Just days after announcing NYPD Chief of Department James O’Neill would succeed Bill Bratton in the department’s top spot, de Blasio and O’Neill sauntered down the Orchard Beach boardwalk for about an hour Sunday, turning heads all the while.
“I’m just here minding my business, getting hot dogs, I turn around and there’s the mayor!” said Tom Fraher, a basketball coach at the Mt. Saint Michael Academy in the Bronx.
Fraher, 53, was so impressed with the two that he gladly shelled out for their franks, which Hizzoner ordered with mustard and sauerkraut and O’Neill had plain.
“Money well spent,” said Fraher. “I wish them all the luck in the world, they got a tough job these guys.”
De Blasio and O’Neill made the most of their community outreach — taking pictures and selfies, shaking hands and hugging women and kids — but they refused to answer or acknowledge a question from The Post about a corrections officer who was slashed by an inmate at Rikers Island.
At one point, someone yelled: “Give the cops a raise,” but was ignored.
One bystander who did manage to get a response was Anthony Acosta, 41.
“Looking good man!” he yelled.
“”Yeah, I’ve been going to the gym trying to knock it down,” said de Blasio, pointing to his stomach.
Another admirer joked that she hoped de Blasio brought protection.
“Blanquito is looking a little pale,” said Winnie Diaz, 35, after taking a picture with him. “I hope he brought some sunblock!”