Thursday, October 1, 2026
Police Officer Daniel Heffernan was named “Cop of the Month” by the Rockville Centre Police Department for the May pursuit and arrest of a man armed with a knife who accosted an ex-girlfriend who had an order of protection against him.
Heffernan responded at 8:40 a.m. on May 1 to a call about an assault near McDonald’s on Sunrise Highway. The victim reported that her ex-boyfriend had forcibly removed her from her vehicle, took her to another location and forcibly removed a police-supplied alarm to prevent her from notifying them of the incident.
Using information from the victim and his knowledge of his patrol post, Heffernan located the assailant who had fled on foot toward a bus stop. The subject was placed under arrest 12 minutes after the victim notified police.
Subsequent investigation revealed that the subject was wanted by the Nassau County Police for a criminal sexual act against the same victim.
The subject was charged with robbery, a criminal sexual act, assault, possession of a dangerous weapon, unlawful imprisonment and criminal mischief.
Police Commissioner Chuck Gennario commended Heffernan for his “diligence, dedication to duty and highly professional conduct” in naming him Cop of the Month.
