By Angela Marshall
Patrolman retires after 42 years of service
To a young child growing up in a troubled household, he was a knight in shining armor. To a young man deciding on his future, he was an inspiration. To the people of Baldwin, he was a protector.
But as of Sept. 30, the First Precinct hasn't been the same. And never will be again. That's the date when Al Cole retired, after 42 years of active service.
Referred to as "The Pride of the First Precinct," Officer Cole, of North Bellmore, was honored by friends, co-workers and a grateful town on Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Baldwin Coral House. The evening was hosted by Craig Braun, a First Precinct trustee.
Officer Cole joined the precinct in 1958 and left only when forced to, at the mandatory retirement age of 72. During the years, the patrolman never took one sick day. According to First Precinct Inspector Rocco, Officer Cole retired with 1,093 sick days left on the books.
"It's not the same; it will never be the same," said Lieutenant Linda Stiklickas, when asked how the precinct had been affected by the patrolman's departure. "He could do everything, and we relied upon him for everything."
Officer Cole began his career in Island Park and soon was transferred to cover North Baldwin and South Hempstead. It was his work here that was celebrated Thursday night. Jack McKeon, the Rockville Centre commissioner of police, and Warren Healey, of the Police Benevolent Association, both recalled the effects of growing up in Officer Cole's beat and how it helped them to decide to wear the badge as well.
"He portrayed the best of what a policeman should be," Commissioner McKeon said, recalling that as late as September, the patrolman had taken a call to help the Rockville Centre police search for a suspect.
In addition to his patrol work, Officer Cole was a 35-year member of the Nassau County Color Guard. According to Sergeant Dan Sheehan, Officer Cole was among the first members of the color guard when it was created in the American Legion, which he joined after serving in World War II.
During the Color Guard ceremony, Officer Cole proudly bore the American flag, his usual post, one last time. He grasped the flag pole to his chest and fought back tears. Sergeant Sheehan thanked Officer Cole for sharing his knowledge, and called him his mentor.
As the tributes continued, one had an especially strong effect on Officer Cole. It was a letter written by a woman who, as a young child, had depended on the patrolman to see her through her family's violent domestic problems, and he recognized the story immediately. Over the years, he had visited the household often, calming things down and reassuring the children. "He was literally my brother's and my sister's and my knight in shining armor," the letter read. "He was the voice of reason, a man to be respected."
According to co-workers, this is just one tale of many left in the wake of Officer Cole's years on patrol. "He knew everybody. He knew every crack in the sidewalk and every tree," said Harun Bagis, who served with Officer Cole from 1994 to '95. "He's an institution."
A replica of the 110 call box, complete with pole and garage-sale signs, was created for the celebration. The signs read "Lots of stuff. Blotters, OT slips, captain's desk and Al Cole's old pants."
The Nassau County Pipe Band also joined the celebration, and as they played "When Irish Eyes are Smiling," Officer Cole danced with his wife of 52 years, June.
"He misses his job," Ms. Cole said. "If he had been allowed to, he would have stayed on. He loved it, and everyone in Baldwin loves him."
Never the retiring type, Officer Cole will soon begin volunteering at the Nassau County Police Museum.
"I'm just overwhelmed, and I don't know what to say," the honoree said at the end of the evening. "I'll remember this for the rest of my life."
