By Nicole Falco
Polverino, 71, and his wife Tina raised three children in Valley Stream, all of whom graduated from Central High School. When he retired in 1990 after 35 years as a refrigeration supervisor for Holland Farms, Polverino knew he wanted to give something back to the community where his children were raised. While the Valley Stream Auxiliary Police Department was one of his choices, he eventually settled on the civilian patrol.
Become a member
As a member of the civilian patrol, Polverino drives through the community almost daily, ready to alert the Fifth Precinct of any suspicious activity, but he is quick to point out that volunteers can spend as little as two hours a week on the day or evening of their choosing, helping to keep the community safe.
The civilian patrol is always looking for new members to add to its roster of dedicated men and women, which includes 93-year-old John Graziano, the oldest member, and Thomas Seery, who still patrols even though he's moved to Garden City. Volunteers usually patrol in teams of two and keep in touch with one of several home bases using radios or cell phones issued by the patrol. New volunteers are trained by a senior patrol member, and they are issued a shirt and jacket with the patrol emblem and carry photo identification.
If interested in learning more about the patrol or in becoming a member, call (516) 823-9088. The Valley Stream Civilian Patrol meets the last Thursday of the month at Village Hall at 8 p.m. Village Hall is located at 123 S. Central Ave.
