Wednesday, June 18, 2025
The Town of Oyster Bay proudly joined communities across America in celebrating National Police Week — a time to reflect on the sacrifices, service and heroism of our police officers. Here in Oyster Bay, our appreciation for law enforcement runs deep. From the streets of Massapequa to the shores of Oyster Bay Harbor, residents are showing their support in a powerful way. We have distributed over 5,000 free blue ribbons across our town, tied to trees, fences and lampposts, as bold symbols of unity with the men and women who wear the badge.
These blue ribbons are more than decorations — they are statements of gratitude, solidarity and remembrance.
We remember Detective Jonathan Diller of the NYPD — a son of Massapequa and of Oyster Bay — who was tragically killed in the line of duty last year. Detective Diller’s life embodied everything we honored this week: courage, commitment and compassion. His loss shook our town and our hearts. Yet even in the face of grief, his memory united us. The outpouring of love from his hometown has been both overwhelming and deeply moving, and we will never forget his sacrifice.
We also remember NYPD Officer Brian Moore — born and raised in our community — and the 13 brave Nassau County Police Department officers — including Michael Califano — who have died in the line of duty since the department’s formation 100 years ago. Their names and legacies are etched into our hearts and serve as daily reminders of the cost of our safety and the valor required to preserve it.
Law enforcement officers today face unprecedented challenges. The job has always required courage, but the threats are more complex, the environment more dangerous, and the scrutiny more intense than ever before. And yet, every day, our officers continue to answer the call, risking their lives to keep our neighborhoods safe.
That is why this week was so important. It was our chance to say what should be said every day: thank you. Thank you to the officers who patrol our streets, who comfort victims, who confront danger without hesitation. Thank you to the families of those officers, who shoulder the burden of worry so the rest of us can sleep in peace.
As town supervisor, I am proud of the strong partnership Oyster Bay shares with law enforcement agencies at every level. We are fortunate to live in the safest county in America, according to U.S. News & World Report — a distinction that would not be possible without the unwavering efforts of the Nassau County
Police Department and our local law enforcement.
We are especially grateful to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for his unwavering commitment to public safety. Under his leadership, the county has made critical investments in police resources, added new officers to our streets, and ensured that our law enforcement agencies have the tools and training needed to meet the moment. This leadership saves lives and strengthens our communities.
I invite every resident to display their blue ribbon proudly, to take a moment to thank an officer, and to remember the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Let us teach our children that heroes live among us — and that they wear the uniform of a police officer.
May we always honor them not just with words, but also with action — by building a community that respects, supports and stands by those who serve. Because when we support law enforcement, we strengthen the foundation of safety, justice and peace in our town.
God bless our police officers, and God bless the Town of Oyster Bay.
Joseph Saladino is supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay.
