A little more than one month after the loss of Detective Brian Moore, Massapequa will be honoring yet another fallen officer on Saturday, June 13 at noon, with a street renaming ceremony.
New York City Police Department Inspector James Guida died in the line of duty as a result of metastatic sarcoma, a rare cancer he developed after being exposed to toxins while working at the 9/11 site. As a tribute to the late inspector, Merritt Avenue in Massapequa will be ceremonially renamed and dedicated in his memory. The street sign dedication ceremony and unveiling will take place on the corner of Merritt Avenue and St. Mark’s Place, near where Guida lived.
As 33-year veteran of the NYPD, Guida previously served as commander with the Narcotics Borough Manhattan South, the 88th Precinct, the 42nd Precinct and the Brooklyn North Gang Unit. During his tenure, Guida earned the respect of his fellow officers with his caring demeanor, dedication and attention to detail.
“He was loved and respected by residents of New York City as well as the Massapequa community he proudly called home,” said Town Supervisor John Venditto. “To those who had the pleasure to know James, it was no surprise that he was able to leave such an indelible mark, both socially and professionally.”
Venditto added that Guida had a unique ability to connect with people and felt a tremendous sense of duty as a police officer to stand up for those in need.
“He was a no-nonsense police commander who reliably handled even the most complex assignments. He always carried himself with dignity and respect,” said Venditto. “He also dedicated himself to many philanthropic and charitable concerns and devoted time to the Boy Scouts and his church.”
Even after being diagnosed with cancer in 2007 and subsequently undergoing three surgeries and scores of radiation treatments as the sarcoma further spread to his leg, lung and spine, Guida not only continued to dedicate himself to the police department, but and served others in the community as well, which showed just the type of person he was. In 2011, he was presented with the department’s Theodore Roosevelt Award for defying disease.
“Inspector Guida, is a ‘True American Hero.’ He paid the ultimate price serving his fellow citizens,” said Venditto of the late inspector. “This street, in the community where he lived for many years, will serve as reminder to all residents of his sacrifice. “The dedication ceremony is the town’s way of showing how much we cared about him.”
—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay
