Respect, a word made famous by the Aretha Franklin song, is something that has seemed to have disappeared from the daily lexicon when it comes to teachers, parents and especially, the police.
These are the men and women who don their bulletproof vests each morning and evening, go out to protect the public and risk their lives and yet, they are cursed at, spat upon and shot at; all in the line of duty. Feb. 23 was an evening designed to show respect for these brave men and women who protect our communities, as Mayor Jeff Pravato and the Village Trustees held a “Night of Respect” for the Police Department.
In spite of single digit temperatures, the village hall was packed with community members, scouts and elected officials from each branch of government. The dais was filled with blue ribbons from Mark Marrazzo’s Bayview Florist and Montage, who started a campaign of “Paint the town Blue” by giving away more than 500 blue ribbons to support the police department. Sitting in the front row were members of the Seventh Precinct along with their Inspector Joseph Barbieri and Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter.
Mayor Jeff Pravato opened the evening giving high praise to the police officers and taking a strong stand against those who would demean them. He cited the events going on around the country and the protestors. When a resident suggested they put bows down Park Boulevard, he thought it was a great idea. He also credited Mark Marrazzo for his efforts to Paint the Town Blue.
“We decided we wanted to also honor the police. Myself and this board, unlike the administration that runs New York City, appreciates everything you do,” Pravato told the NCPD. “You go out there every day, you put your lives on the line for us. Since 9/11 it’s gotten even harder. You are putting your lives in front of us to protect us every day and I really appreciate it and thank you.”
Pravato then called up the commissioner and the inspector from the Seventh Precinct who added their thanks and received citations from the village.
“This is great because it really is reflective of how the community feels where they truly support their police and the cops are out there doing a great job day in and day out,” said Krumpter.
Inspector Barbieri also added a few words of gratitude.
“We are very privileged that Mayor Jeff Pravato is doing this,” he said. “Our members are very happy to receive these awards and we continue to work with the Mayor and his village to make it one of the safest communities in Nassau County.”
New York State Assemblyman Joseph Saladino also praised the police, stating that the “members of the Nassau County Police are the bravest most loyal employees any municipality can have.
Whether it was after the hurricane, or making sure that our crime rates are the lowest in the nation, or just helping a cat out of a tree, they are there for us at every turn. It makes a big difference in our quality of life and this is one small way to show our appreciation for all they do.”
State Senator Michael Venditto also mingled among the officers at what he thought was a very important event for the community.
“The men and women who are our police officers in Nassau County are putting their lives on the line every day so that we enjoy our lives. It is important that we raise awareness about what they are doing and that when we see our officers, we thank them for their service because it is something that they really appreciate and deserve,” he said. “It is also important for us as members of the community to act as they do, model ourselves after them by respecting the law, loving and respecting our neighbors, doing the right thing for our community.”
Sgt. Veverka of the Seventh Precinct was very appreciative of the recognition and enjoyed the ceremony.
“The men and women at the 7th precinct do a great job, I am glad to be a part of the seventh and again I really appreciate them honoring us,” he said.
As the guests left town hall, Pravato was proud at the level of respect that Massapequa Park has towards its police department. Fortunately for Pravato, his relationship with the inspector and the Seventh Precinct is a great one, as the two discuss events and concerns biweekly.
While change doesn’t happen overnight, on a frigid evening in Massapequa Park, there was a room filled with respect and the promise of a step being taken in the right direction to honor our local heroes.
Don’t forget to pick up a blue bow and show your support for the NCPD.
