By Angela Marshall
The chamber selected two firefighters, a police officer and an educator to be honored at their May 22 dinner at Coral House in Baldwin. Chamber President Bill Gaylor said chamber members wanted to recognize members of what he called the three most important segments of the community.
The honorees are Police Officer Brian Cunningham, Ex-Chief William Quinn, Ex-Captain John O'Reilly and Juan Ros.
The dinner is sold out and Gaylor called that a testimony to the individuals being honored.
Cunningham joined the Lynbrook Police Department in 1989, and has garnered respect of his peers and recognition for his excellent police work, according to the chamber. Gaylor called Cunningham a brave and dedicated police officer.
Cunningham has received many honors. Most recently, he was praised when his police work led to the release of a hostage and the apprehension of an alleged kidnapper in June 2001.
Cunningham was appointed a field training officer in November 1993, assisting in the field training of new recruits from the police academy. He has received advanced training in the areas of auto crimes awareness, domestic violence, high intensity drug trafficking and more.
Cunningham was given a Certificate of Merit by the Lynbrook Police Department for his off-duty actions in apprehending two juveniles for committing larceny in May 2000. Later that same month, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Nassau County Municipal Police Chiefs Association for his overall performance and contributions to the Lynbrook Police Department.
He also received a letter of recommendation from the Lynbrook police for his actions on Oct. 5, 2000 when he arrested a subject who had committed a burglary at King O'Rourke Cadillac on Merrick Road.
Cunningham is engaged to Beverly Ann and has four children, Kirsten, Karly, Kasey and Kory.
They love a parade
Quinn and O'Reilly are responsible for coordinating the Lynbrook Fire Department's Sea of Blue. The veteran firefighters, both of Engine Company 1, organized a contingent to march in fire department parades.
The consistency of these two leaders has brought numerous trophies to the department headquarters, said John Obenhein, chief of the Lynbrook Fire Department.
Serving as the department drill sergeant, Quinn marshaled the troops for every parade from 1988 to 2000. In the early years, when the term dress right was deemed buttoning your shirt, Quinn organized marching practice. He is credited with being instrumental in the department hiring the Our Lady of Good Council Band, which has provided the same steady beat from 1978 to the present. He has attended every parade since July 1981, an achievement that has not been equaled by others or endeared him to relatives expecting his attendance at family weddings.
Quinn is married to Donna and is a computer consultant for Informative Systems and Technology.
O'Reilly has been a member of the Color Guard for 19 years and has served as its coordinator for the past 11 years.
He is frequently called upon to coordinate a color guard for weddings, memorial services and, since Sept. 11, funerals. Each assignment is handled with the same cool efficiency for which John is famous, said Chief Obenhein.
John and his wife, Lori, are currently raising four children and he is a New York City police officer.
Education with enthusiasm
Ros has educated thousands of students during his 33 years as teacher.
His energy and enthusiasm has allowed his students to excel in their pursuit of excellence. A quiet force, he leads by example, helping anyone, anytime and any place, according to a chamber release.
Ros holds advanced degrees from C.W. Post and Manhattan School of Music. For the last 17 years, he has been the director of Fine and Performing Arts for the Lynbrook Public Schools. During his tenure the program has been recognized as one of the best in Nassau County, the release said.
In addition to serving as a music teacher and administrator in the public schools, Ros has been involved as director and conductor of several youth orchestras both locally and throughout New York State. He is chairperson of the BOCES Arts in Education Advisory Council, providing direction and aid to the schools of Nassau County.
Ros has been married to his wife, Meggan, for 34 years. They have three sons and are proud grandparents of two, Samantha and Tennyson.
