Thursday, October 1, 2026
Congresswoman Laura Gillen spent about an hour with the Rockville Centre Police Department, touring the police station, riding in a patrol car with Officer Al Robinson and meeting with Police Commissioner A. Randy Dodd to discuss the department’s needs and potential federal funding opportunities.
Gillen said the ride-along on Aug. 19 was part of an effort to build relationships with law enforcement agencies in the district and learn more about their work.
“I just wanted to be that strong advocate and partner for our law enforcement,” Gillen said. “These officers put their lives on the line to keep all of us safe.”
Gillen spent about 40 minutes in the patrol car with Robinson, followed by around a half-hour meeting with Robinson and Dodd, she said.
The police car’s radio and computer were operating during the ride, allowing Gillen to hear calls coming into the department. Calls came in during the ride, but Gillen declined to disclose their nature, and no traffic stops were made.
Gillen said Robinson, who was named Rockville Centre’s Police Officer of the Month for July, discussed his work, including traffic details and assisting with crime investigations. Traffic safety was a particular topic, including the potential for the village to seek federal funding through the Safe Streets for All grant program.
Gillen said the discussion focused on traffic and pedestrian safety along Sunrise Highway, where she said pedestrians have been struck. She added that the village could potentially seek federal funding to study ways to make intersections and roadways safer.
Gillen also said department officials expressed interest in a new Department of Justice grant program, Enhancing Security Measures for Houses of Worship. She said the program could provide grants of about $150,000 for overtime costs associated with law enforcement protection of houses of worship.
The conversation also included funding opportunities for police vehicles. Gillen said she discussed federal vehicle grants that have benefited police departments in Lynbrook, Long Beach and Freeport.
Dodd said the visit gave local officials an opportunity to discuss the department’s work and challenges directly with a member of Congress.
“I want to thank Congresswoman Laura Gillen for taking the time to see firsthand the work our officers do each and every day to keep our residents safe,” Dodd said in a statement. “It is important that our elected representatives have the opportunity to understand the challenges our officers face and the dedication they bring to their jobs. We sincerely appreciate Congresswoman Gillen’s continued support of our department and our officers, and we look forward to continuing to work together to maintain the safety of one of the safest communities in the State of New York.”
The Rockville Centre ride-along was part of a series of visits Gillen has made with police departments in the district. According to her office, she has also participated in ride-alongs or meetings with departments in Floral Park, Garden City, Malverne, Hempstead, Freeport and Lynbrook.
Gillen said departments share common concerns involving resources, technology, drones and improved communication, including across neighboring agencies in areas with high traffic and pedestrian activity.
