Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Lakeview community welcomed all to St. John’s Baptist Church in West Hempstead as they hosted its annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Bringing together church and community members, they recognized the men and women who serve and protect the public.
The event, part of the church’s ongoing effort to honor local law enforcement, featured a program of prayer, music, recognition and fellowship. Church leaders and community members gathered to express gratitude for the work and sacrifices of police officers and their families.
The program was presided over by the Rev. Enoch M. Thomas, an NYPD detective, and included scripture, prayer, praise and worship, musical selections and a formal welcome. The Rev. Dr. William E. Thomas, the church’s pastor and a retired NYPD sergeant, introduced the keynote speaker, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.
“Thank you for being here,” William E. Thomas said. “These are the nice officers that make sure we’re secure in our environment.”
The event also included an offering and a series of recognitions and awards presented to members of law enforcement. Deaconess Dr. Michelle DeVore helped lead the recognition portion of the program.
“They protect, they serve, they sacrifice,” DeVore said. “We just want to give back to them what they’re always given to us.”
For DeVore, the annual event has special significance because of her family’s personal connection to law enforcement. Her husband served as an NYPD sergeant and later worked as a special investigator for the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office after retiring from the NYPD. He retired from that position this year.
DeVore said her family’s experience has given her a firsthand understanding of the sacrifices that law enforcement officers and their families make. She recalled the difficult period following the Sept. 11 attacks, when her husband was called to assist at Ground Zero. At the time, their son was only a few weeks old, and DeVore was recovering from a cesarean section. Despite those challenges, the family understood the importance of his responsibility to help others.
That personal experience has also shaped the church’s emphasis on recognizing not only officers, but their families. Spouses and children often share in the uncertainty and sacrifices that can accompany a career in law enforcement.
The annual appreciation program has been held for approximately five years and reflects the vision of Pastor Thomas. Organizers said the gathering provides an opportunity to focus on the positive contributions of law enforcement and make officers feel valued by the community they serve.
“Reverend Thomas, thank you for the invite, thank you for the friendship, thank you for the partnership and thank you for bringing the communities closer together,” Ryder said. “We appreciate that.”
The celebration concluded with remarks from William E. Thomas and a benediction by the Rev. Dr. Hazel G. Thomas, the church’s assistant pastor. Citations were handed out to officers from Town of Hempstead Deputy Supervisor Dorothy L. Goosby and Legislator Carrié Solages.
Through its annual tradition, St. John’s Baptist Church continues to bring faith and community together to recognize public servants and acknowledge the sacrifices made by officers and their families.
