“HOMETOWN HEROES!” SUOZZI HONORS 11 LOCAL POLICE OFFICERS WHO HAVE DISPLAYED EXEMPLARY HEROISM

On Thursday, outside the Glen Cove Police Department, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D - Long Island, Queens) hosted his second annual “Hometown Heroes” event, where he honored and thanked 11 law enforcement officers from across New York’s 3rd Congressional District who displayed exemplary heroism in the line of duty in service to our communities. During the ceremony, Suozzi shared how the exceptional work of each officer saved the lives of New Yorkers. Photos from the event are found here.

“Every day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, members of our local police departments are protecting us, and serving us. Police have some of the hardest jobs in the country. These are tough times for them. We must support them and understand they are protecting our community. We cannot allow defund the police or anti-police rhetoric to discourage them,” said Suozzi. "Today, we are highlighting just a few police officers who represent the good work done by members of our local police departments every day, and we say, ‘thank you.’”  

The officers Suozzi honored were from the Nassau County Police Department, Suffolk County Police Department, Glen Cove Police Department, and New York Police Department. Each officer was presented with a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol, as well as a Congressional citation.

The following officers were honored by Suozzi at Monday’s ceremony:

New York Police Department, 111th Precinct (Queens)

PO Michael Miron and PO Joseph Buompastore

During the early morning of May 22nd, 2021, the officers responded to a call about a male attempting to climb through a side window of a residence. The homeowner was in her kitchen while the perpetrator attempted to break into the house. The officers were able to locate and apprehend the perpetrator while he was casing another location, thus preventing another break-in. 

On August 20th, the same officers responded to a commercial burglary at a Dunkin Donuts. Upon arrival, the officers found the front door glass shattered. The officers entered the establishment and found a male behind the counter with a hammer in his hand. The officers were able to take the male into custody without incident. 

The officer's quick response and proper tactics in both incidents resulted in the apprehensions of violent criminal offenders. For their efforts, Officers Miron and Buompastore have been nominated for the 111th Precinct Cop of the Year Award.

Nassau County Police Department

Police Officer Jorge Barco

On June 5th, 2021 in Glen Head, Officer Barco arrived at the scene of a single car accident. As Officer Barco checked on the status of the passengers, the two individuals fled the scene, in the car. Quickly following the two individuals, via skid marks left on the road from two blown tires, Officer Barco tracked the car down to Glen Cove. With assistance of another officer, Barco was able to locate the individuals. Upon searching the suspects’ car, the officers found a replica AR-15 rifle and an illegal Glock 42 semi-automatic pistol. Thanks to Officer Barco’s exemplary actions, two more illegal firearms have been taken off the street. 

Suffolk County Police Department

Lt. Thomas, Zagajeski, Sgt. Ryan Sefton, PO Kevin Williamson, PO Daniel Colondona, PO Keith Jordan, and PO Michael Cummings – all Suffolk County Police Department Emergency Service Section Officers. 

On April 25, Suffolk County Emergency Service Section Officers responded to a call that a Medford man had assaulted a woman with a knife, barricading himself in her Kings Park home and holding the woman hostage for approximately 8 hours.

The perpetrator then fled on foot and entered a neighboring home where he held a 77-year-old woman hostage. The officers involved helped the assaulted women and two young children escape, as well as carried out negotiations with the suspect until he finally emerged from the home peacefully. 

Glen Cove Police Department

PO Mathew Grabowski and Detective Brian Glennon (2 separate stories)

PO Mathew Grabowski:

On July 15, a motorcycle driver was in a severe accident which resulted in the driver losing his leg.

At the scene of the accident, Grabowski acted quickly by retrieving a tourniquet kit and applying it to the motorcyclist’s leg. This action saved the life of the motorcyclist by preventing excessive blood loss. The driver did lose his leg, however. The Glen Cove PD awarded him their “Life Saving Award.”

Det. Brian Glennon:

For 4 months, Glennon went undercover to investigate a fentanyl dealer who sold the lethal substance to a Glen Cove native that resulted in an overdose. Through his undercover work, Glennon bought 43 grams of fentanyl from the drug dealer. This undercover operation resulted in Glennon proving that the dealer’s distribution of fentanyl had resulted in the overdose of the Glen Cove native. The dealer was eventually arrested. Glennon has been recognized for “Exceptional Police Duty” by the Glen Cove Police Department.