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 were Police Officer Brian McCarthy, from the 8th Precinct and Detective Norene Cribbin, of the 8th Squad for their work in the Levittown community.

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."

Brian McCarthy, an officer in the 8th Precinct was honored for something that occurred on April 18, 2000. While on routine patrol, McCarthy observed a red 1999 Honda Civic westbound on Hempstead Turnpike at Jerusalem Avenue, which appeared to be speeding and tailgating a second auto. As Officer McCarthy attempted to stop these two cars, the red Honda suddenly accelerated. Officer McCarthy noticed that the automobile being tailgated was also a Honda, and recorded the vehicles plate number as he started to chase the red Honda still westbound on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown. As he approached Wantagh Parkway, Officer McCarthy observed the auto turn into the parking lot of Pep Boys. McCarthy proceeded into the parking lot where he observed the vehicle in the rear with its lights off and the driver in a reclined position. With assistance arriving, McCarthy conducted an investigation which showed the Honda had just been stolen from Bunker Lane in Hicksville, and had not yet been reported. The subject operating the auto was in possession of a master key for Hondas, and, several Hondas had been stolen in Western Suffolk and Eastern Nassau within the prior few weeks.

"Officer McCarthy's diligence, coupled with his attention to detail in recording the plate number of a second vehicle, which now appears to have been also involved in the larcenies of Honda automobiles, has led to the arrest for Grand Larceny and Possession of Burglar Tools and promises to culminate with more arrests and the termination of a stolen car ring," according to Town officials.

Detective Norene Cribbin, of the 8th Squad, was honored for an event that took place on July 4. A female shopper had just left the CVS Pharmacy on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown, when she was accosted by an unknown male who pulled her from her vehicle, threw her to the ground and proceeded to carjack her vehicle. During the altercation, a struggle ensued which resulted in the victim being dragged across the parking lot, clinging to her car. The suspect and vehicle left the scene and the police were called to assist the victim. The investigation conducted by Detective Cribbin led to the name of a subject who was unknown to the victim and culminated in the arrest of that subject who was charged with Robbery and Assault in the First Degree. Detective Cribbin was able to develop information through an unrelated informant that led to the arrest of the subject responsible for this attack.

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.