By ARIELLA MONTI
Friends and family gathered to pay tribute to Fantry, Officer Anthony Raymond of Nassau County's 5th precinct and retired New York Police Department detective Dr. Thomas Ward for the compassion they have shown toward drug addicts.
"Often times I would get a phone call from someone in the Rockville Centre Police Department or Nassau County that would say, 'listen, I have a young man or woman and they're not necessarily a criminal, but they're headed in the wrong direction," said Confide director Art Rosenthal. "There are a lot more compassionate guys involved in police work who take note of people who are suffering and who attempt to move them in a direction before they move into criminal behavior."
Confide began giving the award to those in the criminal justice system who demonstrate this compassion. "Our criteria is they observe that the particular police officer spend some time generally helping people out who otherwise would not be availed that intervention," said Rosenthal.
Awards have been given to parole officers, probation officers and members of the judicial system. "It's a very broad based criminal justice award," he said.
"I'm pleased and honored," said Fantry of the award. "I had no idea it was going to be as delightful as it was."
In the tight-knit family of police officers, old friends introduced the recipients. Rockville Centre Police Commissioner Jack McKeon spoke highly of his longtime friend Fantry and their journey up the ranks.
Fantry joined the police department in 1973 as a temporary job while he went to college. By the time he finished his bachelor's program six years later he was a detective "And I loved it," he said.
"I've had a great career in Rockville Centre," said Fantry. "I've enjoyed every step along the way. It was a journey and I did it with one of my best friends in life, my boss, Jack McKeon."
Confide offers services for individuals suffering from substance abuse. For more information call (516)764 - 5522.
Comments about this story? AMonti@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 282.
