Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and the town board recognized police officers from local precincts, special bureaus and village police departments during its sixth annual police service awards ceremony held September at Town Hall. At the ceremony, the supervisor noted that the town added a new category to its program this year.

The board selected Farmingdale resident Stephen Melito as their first recipient. Melito is a participant in the 7th Precinct's Youth Explorer Program, which is the Learning for Life Career Education Program for young men and women between the ages of 14 and 20.

Murray explained that the Explorer Program provides the structure and resources needed for the youth of America to learn about career opportunities to make ethical choices and to realize their full potential.

"Stephen Melito has been a member of the Youth Explorer Program since 1999 and he has been elected to the position by his peers in the unit," Murray said. "The Nassau County Police Department requires that Explorer Program participants attend precinct events that benefit the community. Stephen has proven to be an outstanding candidate for a successful career in law enforcement."

Melito is currently attending college and majoring in forensic science.

Eighth Precinct Officer Raymond Wadsworth was among those honored. On the evening of May 5, Officer Wadsworth and fellow officers from the 8th Precinct responded to a house fire in Levittown. Upon his arrival, the second floor of the home was engulfed in flames and a woman was trapped.

Officer Wadsworth ran into the home and crawled up the stairs to the second floor. The heat and fire intensified as Officer Wadsworth, unable to see through the smoke, felt his way around the upstairs bedroom while calling out to determine if the woman was still conscious. He located the victim lying on the bedroom floor and carried her down the stairs and away from the house.

The woman was unconscious and no longer breathing. Officer Wadsworth and his fellow officers performed CPR. Through their efforts, the victim's heartbeat and breathing were restored and she was transported to the hospital. Officer Wadsworth was also transported to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation and other injuries.

Thanks to the heroic actions of Officer Wadsworth, the woman is alive today. For going beyond the call of duty without regard for his own safety and for saving the life of a fire victim, Officer Wadsworth was presented the 2003 Police Service Award.

"We live and raise our families here because we feel safe in our homes and on our streets. The Nassau County and village police departments, through the outstanding men and women who comprise their ranks, have created for us the kind of suburban environment sought by all Americans," Murray said. "Police officers in our towns and villages make significant sacrifices every day to ensure our safety and maintain our peaceful way of life. They put their lives on the line in pursuing criminal activities, they maintain order and facilitate rescues in crises and they run programs, such as the Police Athletic League, that enhance our quality of life and give our children the uniquely positive influence that our law enforcement professionals offer ... We respect your work in our communities, admire your capacity to deal with the complications of our time and thank you for your dedication to our sense of personal well-being. You make us proud every day of the year."