The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Law Enforcement Officers of the Year Awards on Thursday, Sept. 26 to recognize exceptional officers from the Seventh Precinct.
The chamber gathered at American Legion Post 1066, 66 Veterans Blvd., to honor officers Nicholas Russo and Christopher Ryder.
“I am so happy to be here today,” said chamber President Robin Hepworth. “I want you to know how much I personally appreciate our law enforcement and the Nassau County Police Department. Our chamber loves the police and will always proudly back the blue.”
The 7th Precinct serves the communities of Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh, North Wantagh, Seaford, Massapequa, North Massapequa, Massapequa Park and East Massapequa.
“We are here to honor two exceptional law enforcement officers from the Nassau County Police Department’s 7th Precinct who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, compassion, honor, and bravery,” Hepworth continued. “Officers Russo and Ryder, your tireless dedication to serving our community, your unwavering commitment to justice, and your selfless acts of kindness have made a tangible impact on the lives of our residents and business owners.”
“Your excellence is a shining example of the Nassau County Police Department’s mission to protect and serve. We’re grateful for the strong partnership between the Seventh Precinct and our business community. Your precinct’s proactive measures ensure our storefronts remain secure, our customers feel confident, and our local economy thrives,” she concluded.
Commanding Officer Tom Murphy of the 7th Precinct said, “On behalf of Commissioner (Patrick J.) Ryder and myself, we’d like to thank the chamber for honoring two of our fine officers from the Seventh. They’ve been here since December of ’20 and were assigned to the Seventh Precinct in ’21. They have made over 80 arrests combined and 170 assists.”
“They are out there in the community supporting the quality of life that we all enjoy in Nassau County. They are the shining new future of the department, and we all appreciate the work that they do,” he said.
Several local officials were also on-scene to present the officers with citations and congratulate them for hard work and bravery.
