Officer Madden, Detective Braun Earn Police Service Award

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray honored members from the Nassau County Police Department and various village police departments during its seventh annual Police Service Awards ceremony Sept. 21. Members, including Garden City Police Officer Kevin Madden and Garden City Police Detective Steven Braun, were recognized for community service, bravery and heroism in solving crimes and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

Garden City Police Officer Kevin Madden (in uniform, second from left) and Garden City Police Detective Steven Braun (second from right) are seen above with Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Town Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin.

"Illicit drugs are a scourge on our communities and they threaten to destroy families and kill victims. Thanks to two Garden City police officers, the problem of illegal drugs in and around a local high school has been significantly diminished," Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray said.

In May of this year, Officer Madden received information regarding the sale of illegal drugs in the vicinity of Garden City High School. Officer Madden notified Detective Braun of this information and together they began an investigation.

Through their sources, Detective Braun and Officer Madden determined the exact locations and times of the alleged sales. They notified the Nassau County Narcotics Division and began a joint operation. As a result of the surveillance, several individuals were arrested. In addition, information from this operation has helped initiate a Nassau County police investigation that has led to additional drug arrests.

"Because of their superior investigative, professional and dedicated efforts, Detective Braun and Officer Madden were able to remove a serious threat to the welfare and safety of the children," Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray said. "Today's police officers and detectives are vital members of our communities. They work with youth outreach and community enrichment programs and face the dangers and difficulties associated with the fight against crime. They intervene in cases of child abuse and they deal with the realities of robberies, drugs, fights and fatalities and they perform brilliantly."

Officer Madden and Detective Braun both earned themselves a 2004 Police Service Award.