(MINEOLA, N.Y.) – Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D - Glen Cove) proudly joined members of the Willett family, County Executive Laura Curran, Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, and her colleagues in government on Tuesday, May 11 to celebrate the renaming of police headquarters in honor of former Commissioner William J. Willett.
The honor was bestowed in recognition of the sterling legacy of service that Commissioner Willett earned in his nearly 50-year career in law enforcement - a track record he established while breaking barriers as he rose through the ranks. In 2000, he reached the pinnacle of the department, becoming the first African American to serve as the Nassau Police Department’s Commissioner.
During the ceremony, Commissioner Ryder announced the retirement of Commissioner Willett’s badge number “1029” and presented his badge, enclosed in a glass case, to the Willett family.
“During his nearly five-decade career in law enforcement and a lifetime of selfless, courageous service, William J. Willett opened doors for so many people that followed in his footsteps,” Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton said. “I will forever be proud that Commissioner Willett is a native of Glen Cove and grateful for all he did during his life to make Nassau County a better place.”
PHOTO CAPTION (TOP IMAGE) - Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton looks on as a sign is unveiled during the renaming celebration for the William J. Willett Nassau County Police Headquarters on Tuesday, May 11. (Photo credit - Office of Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton)
PHOTO CAPTION (BOTTOM) - Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton, fourth from left, with members of the Willett family, her Legislature colleagues, and NCPD Commissioner Patrick Ryder on Tuesday, May 11. (Photo credit - Peter M. Budraitis)