By Nicole Falco
The Valley Stream Fire Department is made up of dedicated residents who volunteer their time and put their lives on the line for the safety of their neighbors.
Valley Stream Civilian Patrol and Auxiliary Police Department members are also familiar faces who volunteer as extra sets of eyes and ears for the Fifth Precinct, for your safety.
On Sunday, April 28, American Legion Andrew Fatscher Post 854 honored those men and women whose service to the community was particularly notable at the post's annual Law and Order Recognition Day.
Previously honored by the village, fire department members Captain Antonio Nuzzi, former Chief Brian Ferrucci and former Captain Joseph Tesoriero were recognized for their valiant efforts during an early morning fire on Carroll Avenue in January.
"Given the amount of heat and smoke and flames, what these members did was nothing short of incredible," said Chief Rob Petry as he presented the award to his men on behalf of the Legion.
Former Fire Captain Eli Lazar was also recognized for his history of dedication to the department.
Ten-year Civilian Patrol members Arlene and Bob Massa were honored for their constant service to Valley Stream, especially in Gibson and Mill Brook.
"They are always out there. Everyone in the area knows them because they are always on the job. They've been quite an asset to the community," said Joe Locoteta, president of the Patrol.
Inspector William McHale of the Fifth Precinct nominated numerous officers for the Legion's award. Upon presenting the awards on behalf of the Legion, McHale spoke of the reasons why they were chosen.
Officers Frank Leckler and Ricky Frassetti used continuous hard work to help catch two suspects connected to 14 business burglaries in nearby Franklin Square.
Officer Anthony Draghi was in hot pursuit of five armed robbers who had threatened a woman's life before stealing her car last July. Draghi's relentless pursuit of the suspects combined with the rapid response of other officers led to the five arrests.
One hot summer day last year, Sgt. Kevin Cotton and Officers Gary Renick, Dale Denehy and Leckler were enjoying a day off with their families at Tobay Beach when they averted tragedy. Eight people including two pregnant women and four kids were enjoying the day when they got caught in a rip tide. The eight would have likely drowned were it not for the off-duty officers' quick thinking, McHale said.
Officer Bob McGrory pursued two suspects on foot who were accused of opening fire in the schoolyard of an Elmont school in October. The suspects, armed with a gun and a knife, did not escape McGrory's chase.
An ongoing investigation by Officers Joe Weller and Daniel Dowsett led to the arrest of an individual wanted for robbery, burglary and larceny in December.
Just before Christmas, Officer Edward Powell collared one suspect at the scene of an armed robbery in an Elmont Shell Gas Station. As Powell nabbed one, responding officers caught the suspect's two alleged accomplices, McHale said.
Emergency Ambulance Bureau members, who are also fire department members, William Howley and Ferrucci received awards for their rescue of a woman trapped in a burning, overturned car following an accident.
The late Auxiliary Police Deputy Inspector Michael DeNicolo was also honored.
"If it wasn't for [these individuals], I really don't think we'd have much of a community," said Ron Sabo, chairman of Law and Order Day.
When you give, you receive. The Legion was bestowed with citations from Deputy Mayor Guido Cirenza and Justice Bob Bogle on behalf of the village, Councilman James Darcy on behalf of the town, Assemblyman Bob Barra on behalf of the state legislature and recognition from the county.
"Since Sept. 11 we have had a new-found appreciation for the men and women who serve our community," Darcy said. "We in Valley Stream have one group, [the Legion], that has annually [shown appreciation]."
Barra said, "Thank you for always reminding us what's important in our lives, whether it's our troops, the flag or those being honored here today."
