Police Officers from all over Nassau County were honored by the Town of Hempstead on Tuesday Night at the Town's Fourth Annual Police Service Awards. Among the award recipients was Garden City Police Officer Michael Buonaiuto.

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Richard Guardino welcomed everyone to this special ceremony, "recognizing dedicated and courageous individuals." Guardino noted that all the town officials are very grateful to the police officers for the work that they do.

Guardino described police work as, "A very demanding job requiring courage and sensitivity and uncommon dedication." He went on to state that their jobs are critical to the quality of life in the Town of Hemsptead.

The supervisor noted that the town has had the opportunity to work very closely with the police departments within the municipality and any time they have had to deal with the various police departments, the officers have been "very courteous and responsive."

Police Officer Michael Buonaiuto reminds people of an old-time policeman who interacts with the public and knows everyone on a first-name basis. This was very evident during the 1999-2000 school year when the local high school was receiving several bomb threats. The threats were causing a great deal of alarm throughout the community, especially in light of recent events of school violence. Officer Buonaiuto then hit the streets and began to reach out to the contacts he had made throughout the village. He was able to obtain valuable information as to who was responsible for these bomb threats. The information eventually led to the arrests of five individuals. "If it were not for Officer Buonaiuto obtaining this information by interacting with the community, these incidents may not have been solved," noted Town of Hempstead Officials in presenting the award.

Officer Buonaiuto was also responsible for recently saving the life of an elderly woman who suffered a heart attack, by performing CPR, and was also responsible for apprehending a suspect who had stolen a car in Hempstead.

Guardino stated, "Paying tribute to sacrifices our police officers make every day is what brings us here tonight." The supervisor concluded that it was a privilege to be in the presence of these everyday heroes.