Sunday, November 9, 2025
Community members, law enforcement officials and local leaders gathered at the intersection of Merrick Road and Arlington Avenue in Valley Stream last Friday to honor the memory of Nassau County Police Detective Hector Nunez.
The ceremony marked the dedication of a newly refurbished police booth and the unveiling of a permanent street sign bearing Nunez’s name, in recognition of his service and sacrifice.
Nunez died in December 2021 of Covid-19, which was caused by illness related to his Sept. 11 World Trade Center response efforts.
“Covid virus and 9/11, and the fact that everybody was sent home and told to leave and run from those buildings,” Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said. “The same with Covid — everybody was saying, ‘Stay at home, leave.’ But the men and women in law enforcement and first responders across the board had to come to work, and unfortunately, many of them lost their lives in that battle.”
The ceremony was part of the centennial celebrations for the village and the Nassau County Police Department, marking 100 years of service to the community. Nunez, who served with the Fifth Precinct, spent most of his law enforcement career patrolling the streets of Valley Stream. He was posthumously promoted to detective following his passing.
Valley Stream Mayor Edwin Fare and Ryder spoke at the ceremony. County Legislators Carrie Solagés and John Ferretti; Sheharyar Ali, representing County Legislator Bill Gaylor; and Valley Stream Fire Department Chief Anthony Capone were in attendance. Members of Nunez’s family, including his wife, Jesenia, and their four children Tianna, Lianna, Dahlia and Luke, were there for the dedication.
The Arlington Avenue police booth, now surrounded by vibrant roses, fresh mulch and carefully maintained landscaping, was restored through a coordinated effort among several village departments. These included the Department of Public Works, Village Hall staff, the Highway, Parks and Recreation departments, and the Sign Shop.
“This is done by labor work, union work, very proud work, the work that they’re proud of, just like Hector was coming to work every day,” Ryder said. “So, we honor him. We honor all of our men and women that have fallen, and we thank those that are willing to do the right thing by all of us.”
Additional support for the project came from the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce who secured a $10,000 grant from PSEG Long Island, a $5,000 grant from the Matrix Corporation as well as contined support from Green Acres Mall. The Valley Stream Soccer Club also contributed to the tribute by donating a bench that overlooks the nearby playing field.
“I’m very, very happy that Valley Stream was able to join with the Nassau County Police Department in this very sincere and lasting tribute for years to come,” Fare said. “Whenever folks drive by Arlington Avenue and Merrick Road, they will see this beautiful building, these beautiful gardens, and this beautiful street sign as a tribute to Detective Hector Nunez, may his family take pride in honoring his memory forever.”
Ryder reflected on the 49 officers the NCPD has lost in the line of duty over its 100-year history. He also acknowledged nearly 30 additional fallen officers whose sacrifices had not been formally recognized with public memorials. Ryder emphasized that, with the support of the Police Benevolent Association, the Detectives Association and the Superior Officers Association, the department is actively working to correct this oversight through lasting tributes like the one dedicated in Valley Stream.
Despite the steady rain, the ceremony concluded with the unveiling of Detective Hector M. Nunez Way. Now a permanent fixture at the intersection, the sign and refurbished booth stand not only as symbols of remembrance but also as enduring tributes to the sacrifice and service of one of the community’s own.
The county police department will continue its centennial observances with a formal memorial ceremony at police headquarters, where Nunez’s name will be officially added to the department’s roll of honor.
