Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray and the Hempstead Board honored Floral Park Police Officer Brian Naughton, who was among the 25 officers from surrounding departments at a ceremony, on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Nathan L.H. Bennett Pavilion at the Town Hall in Hempstead.
Father Gerard Gordon, the Nassau County Police Chaplain, provided a brief invocation, and Alyse Skoller, accompanied by Gloria Elliot, performed the National Anthem. The Nassau County Police Color Guard Unit retired the colors before each of the 25 officers were honored with medals and certificates.
“From solving murders and extensive undercover work to patrolling our streets, our police honorees have distinguished themselves as local heroes,” said Kate Murray. “The town is proud to have the opportunity to recognize those who serve and protect our residents.” Murray acknowledged many local officials, friends and families of the officers, their peers and supervisors who were in attendance.
Murray said, “You’d be hard pressed to find a police officer more dedicated to his job than Officer Brian Naughton of the Floral Park Police Department.
“To Officer Naughton, criminals, drugs and weapons have no business in his native Floral Park. The three-year veteran of the force previously served as a New York City Police Detective in the Narcotics Division of the Organized Crime Control Bureau.
“In short, Officer Naughton is on the front line, keeping dangerous drugs away from local youth. Since January, Officer Naughton has made 19 arrests involving narcotics, Grand Larceny, DWI, weapons and trespassing.
“Perhaps the best description of our honoree comes from his Police Commissioner, Stephen G. McAllister, who said, ‘Brian epitomizes the tenets of effective community policing and is a mentor to many of the newly appointed officers within our ranks.’
“We would like to add to the commissioner’s description, noting that Officer Naughton epitomizes the police officer’s credo ‘to protect and to serve.’”
The officers were honored for putting their lives on the line, pursuing criminals, maintaining order and facilitating rescues in crisis situations. To conclude the 14th annual Police Service Awards ceremonies, Father Gerard Gordon gave the benediction.
Murray said, “I would like to thank the men and women in police service in Hempstead Town. These enforcement professionals make significant sacrifices every day to maintain our superlative quality of life and ensure the safety of all residents.”
