Monday, April 21, 2025
Since I took office, my focus has been on making Glen Cove a safer, stronger and more vibrant community — one where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and our first responders have the tools and support they need to excel. Our police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, Harbor Patrol and auxiliary forces are the backbone of our city, dedicating themselves daily to protecting and serving every resident. It is our collective responsibility to ensure they receive the training, resources and recognition their invaluable contributions deserve.
Over the past year, we’ve taken bold steps to reinforce public safety. Since I became mayor, the Glen Cove Police Department has welcomed 13 new officers, strengthening our force with skilled professionals committed to our community’s well-being. We’ve also recognized the leadership of existing members through well-deserved promotions. Beyond recruitment, we’re investing in advanced training and state-of-the-art equipment to keep our first responders at their best.
The city recently equipped the Glen Cove Volunteer Fire Department with two new fire trucks, providing the latest technology for effective emergency responses. The department exemplifies our commitment to service, both locally and across the region. Members took part in a significant effort to put out the Jennings Creek wildfire upstate last November, which burned more than 5,300 acres. While helicopters dropped water from above, they spent eight hours digging into flaming ground to put out subsurface burns. They demonstrated flexibility and commitment in this mutual-aid mission, which is among the most extensive our department has ever conducted.
Closer to home, city firefighters were prepared to help during the recent brush fires that swept through Suffolk County, even though their assistance was ultimately unnecessary. Regardless of whether the call originates from inside or outside of our city, our firefighters always meet the task with expertise and determination.
Our Harbor Patrol, essential to safeguarding our waterfront, continues to receive support with all of critical equipment and upgrades necessary, a reflection of our unwavering dedication to keeping Glen Cove waterways secure.
Our EMS personnel are a cornerstone of this safety net, with ambulances on duty and on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring rapid response to emergencies. This availability means that residents receive immediate care when it matters most, whether it’s a medical crisis or a late-night accident. And we’re enhancing EMS capabilities by increasing staffing levels, upgrading equipment and refining response times to maintain this critical service.
Our goal is to provide our EMS teams with everything they need to continue their lifesaving work. Soon they will receive two new ambulances and all equipment necessary to protect our residents in life-threatening emergency.
My dedication to public safety was recognized in a humbling way this year. At National Night Out, the Glen Cove Police Department and PBA honored me as Person of the Year, a tribute that reaffirmed the strong bond between our administration and those who serve. Chief William Whitton remarked, “She’s had her foot on the gas pedal and hasn’t taken it off. She’s truly selfless.” I believe leadership is about action, and I stand firmly behind our law enforcement and first responders, to ensure that they receive both the recognition they’ve earned and the resources they need to protect our community.
The safety and sense of community of Glen Cove are greatly enhanced by our auxiliary police. They assist regularly at local religious institutions by directing people to services, oversee crowd management for our St. Patrick’s Day procession, and ensure that street closures go smoothly. They also manage duties including putting up No Parking signs, directing traffic at funerals, and take part in citywide festivities of holidays, sports parades and events like Downtown Sounds in the summer.
Auxiliary police demonstrate their commitment when they respond to weather-related emergencies and other call-outs. Their efforts, which improve public safety and the vitality of our town, are much appreciated by the city. Wherever there’s a public event, they are present.
Momentum is on our side, and we’ll keep building on these successes. Glen Cove is a city that values service, embraces progress, and stands by those who dedicate their lives to protecting others. By investing in our emergency services, we reaffirm our commitment to safety, community and the enduring spirit that makes the city a place we’re proud to call home. Together we’re ensuring that it remains a safe haven where families flourish, businesses prosper, and our first responders receive the respect and support they deserve.
Pamela D. Panzenbeck is mayor of Glen Cove.
