Suffolk County Executive Bellone Directs Dennison Building To Be Illuminated Blue for National Law

For Immediate Release: January 9, 2018

Contact: County Executive Press Office

(631) 853-4000 | Press.Office@suffolkcountyny.gov

SUFFOLK COUNTY EXECUTIVE BELLONE DIRECTS DENNISON BUILDING TO BE ILLUMINATED BLUE FOR NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today directed the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge to be illuminated blue, January 9, 2018 in honor of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. County Executive Bellone also encouraged residents to thank a member of law enforcement for choosing to protect and serve our communities.

“Every day our law enforcement personnel leave their homes to protect and serve, not knowing what dangers and difficulties await their way.  The men and women of the Suffolk County Police Department and other public safety agencies are called upon to assist their neighbors, save lives, and solve crimes in some of the most challenging situations imaginable,” said County Executive Bellone. “Today, and every day, we should make a point to thank them for all that they do and to remember the sacrifice so many have made to keep our communities safe.”

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was founded in 2015 as a way for residents to thank law enforcement personnel across the country. Since its inception, it has gained a nationwide following for those who want to show their respect for those who put their lives on the line every day.

Suffolk County law enforcement personnel serve in a variety of roles and capacities including paramedics, public servants, counselors and protectors in their time of need. Suffolk County currently enjoys the lowest level of crime in the county’s recorded history.  As of December 30, 2017, violent crime in Suffolk County is 7.3% lower than the historic lows reported during the same period in 2016 within the Suffolk County police district.  Property crime is down 7.4% as compared to the same period in 2016.  Total reported incidents of violent and property crime is down district-wide by 7.4% as compared to overall historic lows reported for 2016. 

Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy D. Sini said: “On behalf of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office, I would like to thank and commend all of the officers who serve this county as well as our partners in the law enforcement community for their service. As Commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department, I had the honor and privilege of working with some of the fine men and women who put their lives on the line to protect the residents of Suffolk County each and every day. I thank them for their bravery and sacrifice and continue to pray for their safety. As we usher in this new era of criminal justice in Suffolk County, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office will remain committed to supporting and working collaboratively with all law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal level to ensure that justice is served and to make our communities an even safer place to live, work and raise a family.”

Suffolk County Police Department Chief of Department Stuart Cameron said: "The men and woman of the Suffolk County Police Department work diligently each and every day to keep the citizens of Suffolk County safe. Community support is an essential component of this effort. On behalf of our department, we thank all of the people who support law enforcement.”

Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. Ed.D. said: “I applaud all those who serve in law enforcement – who put the public first, as they protect public safety in all kinds of conditions.  These men and women serve with honor, integrity and humility 365 days per year, and 24 hours per day, and I join with our other elected officials and the public in thanking them for their sacrifices.” 

Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory said: “During National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day I want to add my voice to the many offering congratulations and admiration for the work of the Suffolk County Police Department. Law enforcement is challenging work – more so today given the nature of the crimes that are occurring. The dangers facing our officers each day are daunting. Yet they put their lives on the line to protect the citizens of our great county and to ensure our quality of life is preserved. I am grateful for their efforts and commend them for their dedication.”

Deputy Presiding Officer Rob Calarco said: “Every day law enforcement personnel walk out of their homes not knowing what challenges and dangers they may face that day to protect and serve their communities.  While most days may be quiet, that lull only increases the difficulty of the job when trouble arises. We should thank them and their families for that service.”

Minority Leader Tom Cilmi said: “Not a day goes by that I don’t appreciate the risks and challenges associated with being an officer of the law.  Whether responding to a car accident, a robbery or a gunshot, tending to a homeless person or mediating a domestic argument, law enforcement officers put the lives of others ahead of their own day after day.  Today, on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we take a special moment to say ‘Thank You!’ to the men and women of the Suffolk County law enforcement community and police officers throughout the Nation for their service and for their dedication to public safety in our communities.”

Legislator Monica Martinez said: “The courage that our Suffolk’s men and women in law enforcement display everyday is remarkable,” said Legislator Monica Martinez. “Law enforcement officers and their families make sacrifices day in and day out to keep us all safe even when we sleep.  I salute their commitment and dedication and recognizing them is the least we can do in return.”

Legislator Susan Berland said: "I am proud to stand with County Executive Steve Bellone and my colleagues today, to thank our men and women in law enforcement for their commitment, hard work and dedication to protecting Suffolk County residents. Every day our men and women in blue go to work and place themselves in harm's way. We owe them a great debt of gratitude, not just on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, but every day.”

Legislator Tom Donnelly said: "Many thanks to all of our law enforcement personnel who work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to keep our County safe."

Legislator Bridget Fleming said: “As a former prosecutor, I have a great deal of admiration and respect for the men and women of law enforcement and all they do.  The recognition that County Executive Bellone has demonstrated by lighting the Dennison Building is greatly deserved and offers a chance for all members of our community to reflect on the important sacrifices made by the men and women of law enforcement every day.”

Legislator Steve Flotteron said: “I want to thank the many dedicated police officers who fearlessly serve our community each and every day, keeping us safe and protecting our communities.”

Legislator Sarah Anker said: “As we celebrate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who risk their lives every single day to ensure the safety of the citizens of Suffolk County. “They’ve answered a call to public service that is demanding and often underappreciated. We, as residents of Suffolk County, owe a debt of gratitude to all members of law enforcement whose bravery and heroism is immeasurable. Thank you to all our Suffolk County law enforcement officers for your continued sacrifice and hard work.”

Legislator Tom Muratore said: ”On this Day of National Law Enforcement Appreciation we pause to remember and thank all the women and men who protect us here at home and throughout the globe.”

Legislator Bill Lindsay said: “Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is an excellent opportunity for our nation to express gratitude towards the men and women in blue who risk their lives each day to protect us. We must not take for granted the sacrifices that police officers make in order to serve and protect our communities.”

Legislator Rudy Sunderman said: “Law Enforcement officers place their lives and safety on the line each day to ensure the safety and order of our communities. Thank you to our law enforcement officials for their continued efforts with keeping Suffolk County safe.”

Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D said: “In recognition of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, I’d like to express my support to the entire law enforcement community for their service to the public each and every day. As a Legislator who works regularly with the Suffolk County Police Department to address multiple public safety issues, I have seen, on numerous occasions, their steadfast commitment to dealing with difficult and challenging circumstances in an effort to restore order. Their decision to enter into the field is an honorable choice and I, for one, deeply appreciate them.”

Legislator Kara Hahn said: “Today we stand for the men and women who, every day, stand beside us. In times of crisis and confusion, when the stress is great and the gratitude is low, our law enforcement professionals are there to assure us that everything will ultimately be okay. While we are grateful for your service each and every day, today, we collective say a say ‘thank you’ for all you do to safeguard our communities and our lives.”

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