RVC American Legion hosts Law & Order Night

On Friday, American Legion Post 303 honored Rockville Centre first responders on Law and Order Night at their headquarters on Maple Avenue.

“Our post takes great pleasure in honoring our law enforcement and emergency personnel for their continued dedication and service to the Rockville Centre community,” Legion Post 303 member Paul Casazza said. “They are serving and protecting us on a daily basis.”

Casazza said that Law and Order Night is a program that highlights the legion’s promotion of “Americanism,” the Constitution, and the second amendment.

Rockville Centre Police Department Sgt. Paul Kaplon was presented with an engraved .45 caliber Derringer pistol donated by Bond Arms and a Day at the Range certificate donated by Dark Storm Industries by RVC Police Commissioner Jim Vafaedes.

“It’s humbling,” Kaplon said of the ceremony. “It’s a great community and department, so that makes my job a lot easier.” Kaplon, a Smithtown native, is also a veteran of the Marines, serving as an infantry rifleman from 2003 to 2007. He joined the RVC department in 2009 and was the 2013 Cop of the Year for RVC.

RVC Firefighter and Oceanside resident Honorary Chief Edward C. Simpson was presented with an engraved axe by Chief of Department James Avondet. Simpson grew up in the village and has devoted himself to the department since 1971. “I am truly honored that my company thought that much of my participation over the 50 years of service and all the committees that I was in,” Simpson said. Simpson acts as chairman of the committee that oversees the maintenance of the 1937 vehicle and the training of new operators.

RVC EMT Capt. David Schowerer received a plaque thanking him for his volunteer service in the community. Schowerer was praised as a leader and a friend by his fellow EMT workers.