Saturday, April 28: Fundraiser planned for East Rockaway Auxiliary Officer

A fundraiser is in the works for Steve Watanabe, a member of the East Rockaway Auxiliary Police Unit No. 111 and a fixture in the community.
Many residents know Watanabe on a first-name basis. Those who have met him say they remember his smile and his friendly, cheerful manner. Others recall reading about him in the Herald several years ago, when he singlehandedly diverted a drunk driver in a box truck who was headed toward a crowd of people walking home from a Memorial Day parade. Watanabe stood in front of the truck, forcing the driver off the road. He was later awarded the Commissioner’s Medal, the highest award an officer can receive.
On the evening of Feb. 12, Watanabe returned home from his birthday dinner party with friends and began doing some household tasks, one of which was to give his beloved dog, Charlie, some water. The room Charlie was in was dark, and the dog may have been spooked or mistaken his master for an intruder because he attacked Watanabe, leaving him with serious facial injuries. He was immediately taken to a local hospital.
After numerous medical procedures, including extensive facial and eye surgery involving some 518 stitches, Watanabe is now home and on the mend. Charlie has been removed from the house.
“PFC Steve Watanabe has been an asset to our unit in East Rockaway for five years,” said Auxiliary Commander Diane LauKaitis. “He is a permanent fixture at all of East Rockaway's events and at the St. Raymond's Church crossing on Saturday evenings. I hope that the community will come together and help Steve during this difficult time, since he has donated so much of his own time to the community.”
Last year alone, Watanabe, a Valley Stream resident who has a total of 21 years of auxiliary police experience, volunteered over 1,800 hours of service to the village and to Nassau County. “Clearly he is a dedicated and most respected officer,” LauKaitis said. “But now, he needs our help.”
She added, “His recovery is going well at this point. Unfortunately, his overall medical expenses have become a burden, and we ask the public to please join us to help support Steve in his time of need.”
According to LauKaitis, Watanabe will soon start going back on patrol. “He is taking it very slowly,” she said.

How you can help
Tickets for the fundraiser can be purchased for a donation of $25. They can be bought at the door, or a check can be sent and made out to Diane LauKaitis, 70 Clinton Ave., Lynbrook, N.Y. 11563. Raffle prizes, gift cards, certificates and merchandise are welcomed from businesses. For more information, call LauKaitis at (516) 599-0311.