The Lower East Side
Traditions and transitions

Villager photos by Clayton Patterson
Serving the community
Jose Gomez, above, who grew up and lives on the Lower East Side, has worked at Katz’s Delicatessen on E. Houston St. for 10 years. He’s also an auxiliary police officer, and aspires to join the Police Department.
Bob “Hipshot” Johnson, who is assigned to Ladder 18 on Pitt St., at age 62, is said to be the current longest-serving firefighter with the department.