In celebration of the Nassau County Police Department’s 100th anniversary in 2025, the Town of North Hempstead will honor the life and legacy of three fallen Nassau County Officers at street renaming ceremonies.
“You hear people say ‘never forget’ but over time people do forget the tremendous sacrifices officers and their families make. It gives me great personal satisfaction to know that those who made the greatest sacrifice will now be memorialized forever,” said, Town Council Member Edward Scott, a retired New York City Police Officer.
The first renaming occurred on Saturday, May 3 on Plympton Avenue in Roslyn Heights. The street is the site of Officer Brian R. Abbondandelo’s family home. He died from illnesses related to his response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
The final two street renaming ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 24, the first at 11 a.m. at Brinkerhoff Lane & Third Street in Manhasset in honor of Patrolman Joseph L. Coote, and the second at 1 p.m. at Hillside Avenue & Third Street in New Hyde Park in honor of Patrolman Robert H. Pickwick.
“Just think, Patrolman West died 79 years ago and yet these many years later there is still a fervent desire to honor him,” Town Council Member Robert Troiano said. “When his family looks up at that sign during the ceremony, they’ll finally know the scope of our gratitude.”
The Nassau County Police Department was founded in 1925 with 55 active officers. It now boasts 2,600 active members, making it one of the largest police forces in the country.
“We’re marking our 100th anniversary with all kinds of events, but the centerpiece are these roadway dedications throughout the county,” Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said. “You can’t celebrate who you are without first knowing what you’re made of, and these 50 fallen officers exemplify the courage and dedication of this department.”
The officers’ respective families will join Commissioner Ryder, Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Town Board members and local elected officials for the ceremonies. All are invited to attend. All events will take place rain or shine.
