Every Nassau County Law Enforcement union endorsed Bruce Blakeman for county executive at a press conference on Wednesday. NEED DATE? LAST WEEK?
“I am honored to get the endorsement of all these amazing organizations that represent the men and women who protect our county,” Blakeman said. “To have heroes saying, ‘You know what, Bruce, you did a good job, and we’re behind you,’ it’s something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Blakeman, who is running for re-election as county executive in November, made law enforcement initiatives a key part of his tenure. He authorized the hiring of over 600 new police and correctional officers, and supported the construction of a new Police Training Village.
“Many people say they back the blue,” Nassau County Police Benevolent Association President Tommy Shevlin said. “Bruce Blakeman doesn’t just say he backs the blue, he acts upon it.”
Blakeman has increased police funding during his time as county executive, which began in January 2022, as seen in police officer pay. The total police payroll was $464.44 million in 2021, compared to $584.20 million in 2024. Fringe benefits for police officers were increased, too.
President of the Nassau County Detectives’ Association Bill Bourguignon was among those who praised Blakeman. “A vote for Bruce Blakeman is the first and most essential step in keeping Nassau County the safest county in the United States,” Bourguignon said.
Nassau County was named the No. 1 safest community by U.S. News & World Report in 2024, as determined by the publication’s U.S. News Healthiest Communities analysis. The publication gave Nassau County a score of 100 on a 100-point scale for public safety.
Blakeman is running against Legislator Seth Koslow, a Democrat, for the position. Organizations that have endorsed Koslow include New York League of Conservation Voters, Planned Parenthood and Nassau Retirees Legal Fund.
