Merrick American Legion honors the good guys

Merrick American Legion Post No. 1282 recently held its Law and Order ceremony at its headquarters on Merrick Road to honor individuals and groups who work to serve and protect the safety of the community.

Among the honorees were Sgt. Jeffrey Giel from the Metropolitan Transit Authority Police Department, troopers Tifini Atai and Kenneth Bridgeford from the New York State Police Department, Sgt. John Lezamiz from the Nassau County Police Department’s 1st Precinct, and police officers Paul Caiaccia, Dean Reiter and Michael Scneider from the 7th Precinct.

Also honored were firefighters Justin and Dean Angell, Matthew Posdolski and Peter Pagones from the Bellmore Fire Department, medical technicians Thomas Gies, Russel Robinson, Leanne Palmer, Ronald Bekore, Jay Greenblat, Ted Papadopoulos and Jeff Munson Jr., and firefighter Greg Magno from the Merrick Fire Department.

A certificate of appreciation was also given to the Wenshaw Park Civic Association in North Merrick, and President Steven Arriaga, Vice President Stephanie Williams, Secretary Mario Filagrossi and Treasurer Kristen Ollendike accepted the award on the organization’s behalf.