By PAUL J. CONDRA
Gerry Denk was given a plaque by the village, and a certificate by the Lynbrook police department in recognition of his effort to wrestle the gun away from a man who entered Our Lady of Peace R.C. Church on March 12 during a morning Mass. The gunman fired six shots, killing Father Larry Penzes and a parishioner, Eileen Tosner, before Denk tackled the man to the ground and took the rifle he was holding.
It is believed by investigators that the shooter would likely have fired at others had Denk not intervened, which caused the gunman to flee the church and hide out in his home. He was later arrested by police, who have identified the shooter as Peter Troy. The suspect has been charged with two counts of murder.
At the village hall meeting, Denk chose not to speak publicly, but had prepared a statement which was read by Father Marcus Rowan from Our Lady of Peace.
In it he thanked the citizens of the village for their kindness to him during this time, and said that despite the horrible event, it has brought villagers closer together.
He also wanted to thank Lynbrook Police Lt. Gary Gnack, who was attending the same Mass that morning and assisted Denk in safeguarding the scene.
He was probably my guardian angel, Denk said.
According to Lynbrook Mayor Eugene Scarpato, Gnack followed Denk as he chased the shooter out of the church. With his gun drawn and Denk holding the shooter's rifle, Gnack could very likely have mistaken Denk for the shooter and fired on him, but was patient and didn't react too quickly.
Lastly, Denk said he wished that his mother could have been present for the honor, but she is suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.
About 75 villagers who attended the meeting gave Denk, whose wife and family was in attendance, a standing ovation.
