By Robert Remler
North Valley Stream plaza named for slain Fifth Precinct cop
Slain Police Officer Matthew Giglio was memorialized last week at ceremonies dedicating a street corner plaza in his name. The North Valley Stream intersection of Dutch Broadway and Corona Avenue will now be known as "Police Officer Matt Giglio Plaza" in honor of the Valley Stream resident who died in the line of duty 25 years ago.
The Nassau County Fifth Precinct officer was shot in the early morning hours of October 7, 1975, while trying to arrest a suspect at the scene of a West Hempstead robbery. The suspect, John MacKenzie, was later convicted of killing the officer by firing point-blank into his chest. After a ten-week battle at Mercy Medical Center to save Officer Giglio's life, the 35-year old father of three died just before Christmas.
Last Thursday, September 28, more than 100 people, including his wife, Phyllis, her family, and police and elected officials, gathered to memorialize his life of service to the community.
"I happened to know Matty Giglio," said Anthony Cianciulli, a Valley Stream resident and a County Harbor patrolman. Mr. Cianciulli stood on the sidewalk while Officer Giglio's family was photographed near a green and white street sign bearing his name. "The police don't get the recognition they deserve," said Mr. Cianciulli. He thought it was a fantastic idea that a street was named after his friend.
He also said that the shooting of Matthew Giglio was more than a crime against the man as a husband and father. "It's a crime against everything we stand for," Mr. Cianciulli said. "Anybody who shoots a police officer should definitely get the death penalty."
Mr. MacKenzie, now 54, was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years and a maximum of life in prison for the crime, and could be released as early as this month if the New York State Parole Board approves his application for freedom.
County Executive Thomas Gulotta said that part of the reason why Nassau has the lowest crime rate in 31 years is because of policemen like Mr. Giglio. "Every time a police officer becomes a member of the County police force, they commit themselves to risking life and limb to protect the citizens. You hope it never comes to that, but Matt Giglio has left a legacy that will never be replaced."
Mr. Gulotta said he has supported the death penalty since first serving in the New York State Assembly. "If a person is going to take the life of a police officer, or for that matter a private citizen, they had better be prepared to sacrifice their own life and they have to understand that," said the County Executive.
Assemblyman James Darcy called the street dedication ceremony a fitting tribute to a fallen hero. "He grew up and lived in Valley Stream," said Mr. Darcy. "It's important that society not forget the men who are putting their lives on the line."
Assemblyman Darcy advocates the death penalty for anyone shooting a police officer. "We hear a lot of talk about rehabilitation and the unfairness of the death penalty. ...Where was the fairness in the death penalty that was given to Officer Giglio?" he said.
Inspector William McHale, commanding officer of the Fifth Precinct, said that while Officer Giglio is remembered in the precinct, it is important for the community to recall him, too. "I think the town and Police Benevolent Association as well as the department felt that although there is remembrance within the police department of those who have given their lives, there wasn't any permanent remembrance in the local area where the officer patrolled... It's a very fitting remembrance of Officer Giglio," said Inspector McHale.
Fifth Precinct officers stopped traffic along Dutch Broadway while Hempstead Town Supervisor Richard Guardino Jr., and others offered speeches in praise of the fallen officer. Phyllis Giglio spoke for her family and said: "I'm sure he's looking down today." When all the speeches were finished, bagpipe players performed "Amazing Grace."
Legislator John Ciotti said the dedication ceremony was an excellent idea. "Too many times police officers are not truly recognized for their dedication and the work that they do. These men and women are the modern-day gladiators. They are on the front line," said Mr. Ciotti. Looking up at the signpost honoring Officer Giglio, the legislator said: "This is a small token of some way for us to give back to their families and society."
