Alternate Deputy Presiding Officer and Chairwoman of the Public Safety Committee Denise Ford presented COVID-19 Service Bars to Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and the men and women of the Nassau County Police Department, for their service to the people of Nassau County during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The service bars, along with equivalent service pins for healthcare workers, were debuted by the Majority Caucus of the Nassau County Legislature on June 22nd, 2020 to honor the healthcare workers, first responders, police officers, firefighters, medics and other front line workers who put their lives on the line to protect Nassau residents during the deadly pandemic. The pins and bars were the first items announced to be presented to healthcare workers and first responders for their pandemic service in all of New York State.
The Majority Caucus of the Legislature has already given service bars and pins to the members of the Nassau County Health Department, and the Nassau County Fire Marshals, as well as many local fire department members, village police departments, and local medics. They plan on distributing service bars and pins to the doctors and nurses and administrators of Nassau University Medical Center and other County hospitals in the near future, as well as to Nassau County Sheriffs and Corrections Officers.
“Last Summer the Majority commissioned COVID-19 service bars, and recognition pins to thank the healthcare workers, first responders and other heroes in our community for the service they provided during COVID-19 and beyond," Said Alternate Deputy Presiding Officer Denise Ford. "The heroism, dedication, and training of the Nassau County Police Department was put on full display yesterday after the tragic shooting at Stop and Shop in West Hempstead. Today, I am proud to join with my fellow officers to honor our police and show our support for all they do to protect and serve our communities every day."
Nassau County suffered some of the highest amount of positive COVID-19 cases during the height of the pandemic, and sadly, many residents, including first responders, died. While many residents were able to work from home and quarantine, many members of the healthcare, public safety and first responder community were not able to and were on the streets putting their own lives on the line to help others.