By:Anne Marie Allocca
After opening remarks by Post Commander Kevin Lawlor, the presentation of awards was done by Ron Sabo, past commander and Law and Order chairman.
Detective Sergeant Jeanne Gans kicked off the presentation with a citation to Detective Robert Goetchius, of the Fifth Squad, calling him "one of my favorite detectives." Goetchius was recognized for his work in apprehending a suspect implicated in a series of taxi robberies. Sgt. Constable, of the Nassau County Police Department Fifth Precinct, issued citations to Officer Mark Casella, who along with his wife apprehended two males who were robbing a house near Casella's own home. Officer Richard Soto received several commendations for catching suspects. One particular instance found Soto chased a suspect on foot after a car chase and tackling him to the ground.
Other officers who received recognition were Richard Muller, Kent Bush, Frank Discala, Frank Leckler, Jason Gaertner, Angelo Palermo, Rita Bopp-Carroll, Thomas Kearney, Ricky Frassetti, David Tait, Sgt. Kevin Cotton, Vincent Bello, David Januszewski, Sgt. Edward Grim, Joseph Sedita and Daniel Dowsett.
Supervisor Jim Kelly of the Emergency Ambulance Bureau presented an award to AMT Scott Kitograd for saving an elderly woman who had gone into cardiac arrest. EMT-CC Edward Donoghue, who was on vacation and not present, also was commended for finding the aforementioned woman on the ground and assessing the situation at hand. He was able to stabilize the woman until Kitograd arrived.
Alice Goebel, president of the Valley Stream Civilian Patrol, recognized her esteemed staff for their dedication to the residents of Valley Stream. Roland Longarzo, Daniel Capone, Frank Decarlo, Tom Seery, Frank Ferrara and Annette Hunt were given citations.
Newly installed Valley Stream fire department Chief Joe Garofalo honored ex-Captain David Ortiz for his bravery and dedication as an active member of the Valley Stream Fire Department. Ex-Captain Steven Weltner, who held his son Andrew, and firefighter Michael Velte were saluted for their courageous actions in rescuing a man from his burning home during the blackout last summer. Said Garofalo, "Due to the heroic action of these two firefighters this man is still alive today."
Mayor Ed Cahill concluded the program by presenting a citation to Post Commander Kevin Lawlor saluting the annual Law and Order Day.
