Media Contact: Randolph Yunker - (516) 571-2490

(Mineola, NY) They serve as the "eyes and ears" of the Police Department and patrol in marked vehicles to help make our neighborhoods safe. Yet, according to Assessor Harvey Levinson, the nearly 300 community-minded men and women who volunteer to serve as members of the Nassau County Auxiliary Police are often overlooked when we take the time to recognize and reward the efforts of other volunteer services with pension credits and property tax exemptions.

"Since 9/11, the resources of local governments have been strained due to the necessity of providing an increased police presence to combat and curtail potential terrorist threats," stated Assessor Levinson. "To meet the challenges at hand, our uniformed Auxiliary Police are providing an invaluable service of not only providing a deterring presence throughout the county, but allows our paid police officers the flexibility that they need to focus manpower on other emergency situations that may arise on a daily basis."

In recognition of the outstanding contributions and sacrifices of the Auxiliary Police force, Assessor Levinson is calling on all legislators to act immediately and provide them with the same 10% property tax exemption credit that is granted to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers.

"I believe that this recognition is long-overdue," stated Assessor Levinson. "By granting Auxiliary Police the same property tax exemption benefits of our volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, you are not only correcting an oversight, but will be helping the recruitment efforts of an integral component of our national and local security efforts."

Established in 1951 under the provisions of the Civil Defense Act, the Auxiliary Police are given a 22-session basic training course at the Nassau County Police Academy. As part of their training, volunteers receive instruction on the New York State Penal Law, hazardous materials awareness, basic First Aid/CPR, Peace Officer powers, and critical incident response.

"Residents who would like to learn more about the Auxiliary Police and playing a vital role in making their communities a safer place to live should call Auxiliary Police headquarters at (516) 573-7521," Assessor Levinson concluded.