American Legion Manhasset Post 305 Community Service Awards

The Manhasset Post 304 of the American Legion conducted its annual Community Service Awards ceremony on March 7. This program recognizes those individuals who have rendered commendable service to the Manhasset community.

Nine members of the uniformed services were honored, including six police officers, two firefighters and one emergency medical technician. A Manhasset resident was also honored for outstanding services to the community. Each was awarded a Certificate of Recommendation from the Manhasset Post 304.

The ceremony was chaired by Frank Brady, 1st Vice commander of the Manhasset Post 304. Awards were presented by Post Commander Richard E. Miller.

Jack Bland, law and order chairman of the Legion's Nassau County Committee, provided an opening statement praising the commitment and bravery of uniformed officers who protect the safety and security of our communities, but are not adequately appreciated, that is - until they are needed. He stressed the priority for recognizing the rank and file officers who are usually exposed to great risk of injury and death.

Trooper Philip D. Oaldon of the State Police Troop "L" was honored as "Police Officer of the Year," for his conscientious dedication to enforcement of the NY Penal and Traffic Law exemplified by his recent apprehension of a speeder on the Northern State Parkway who was ultimately arrested for DWI, possession of five ounces of cocaine and 400 illegal betting slips, all of which are felonies. The citation was read by Sergeant John Kastner of Troop "L."

Police Officer John Matthews of the 6th Precinct Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) was cited for his 40 years of dedicated service, all in the 6th Precinct where he performed in every precinct assignment, which experience uniquely qualified him for his duties as desk officer. His tenure in the department is exceeded only by Police Commissioner William Willet and Second Deputy Commissioner John Kennedy.

Police Officers Christopher Voulo, Dennis Chow, Gordon Johnson and Greggory Brietkoff of the NCPD's 6th Precinct were also honored for their heroism in the face of grave danger. Officers Voulo and Chow, responding to a residential fire, encountered a home in black smoke and flames. They entered the building and persevered without any fire protection, clothing or equipment to reach an unconscious victim and were able to drag him to the front hall, from a back bedroom, though he weighed 300 pounds. Officers Johnson and Brietkoff were able to then rescue the victim and two officers from the hall and bring them to safety.

Inspector George Morrish, commander of the 6th precinct NCPD read the Citation for the five police officers and commended their performance. He also accepted a Unit Citation for the Manhasset Post for his Precinct in the form of a multi-year plaque on which each year is engraved with the name of the current, "Police Officer of the Year."

Former Caption Thomas Tranfaglia of Company No. 1 of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department was cited as Fire Fighter of the Year" for his dedicated service to the community. During his 41-year tenure he had been among the top five responders in his company. He has been particularly helpful to novice firefighters, teaching them the intricacies of firefighting and ensuring that they wear proper gear and equipment. His citation was read by Second Deputy Chief Brian Morris, who praised Tranfaglia's performance.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Joel Rosenthal of the Ambulance Unit of the M-L Fire Department was cited as "EMT of the Year" for his enthusiastic, productive service during the past two years, responding to more than 800 alarms, recipient of the Department's Medal of Merit for Distinguished Service in saving the life of a 9-year-old boy and his Service Secretary of the Ambulance Unit. Joel was snowbound out-of-town and was unable to attend the ceremony.

Fireman Michael Temares of the Plandome Fire Department was recognized as, "Firefighter of the Year," for his outstanding service to the Department, the Village of Plandome and the Manhasset community, through his extensive achievements in several capacities over many years. During the past 28 years, Michael has been instrumental in generating citizen contributions to enhance fire protection services, recommitment of volunteer firefighters, and his services as treasurer. Chief John King read the Citation and expressed his personal gratification for the total dedication and performance of firefighter Temares.

Reverend Maurice A. Fetty, Pastor of the Manhasset Congregational Church was presented with the American Legion Certificate of Commendation for his exemplary service to the Manhasset community.

His outstanding achievements include support of "Adventures in Learning," a tutorial and social help program for disadvantaged children. He was also involved in 1991 in the direction of the North Shore Performing Arts Academy, which provides music training for students and has formed orchestras which tour Europe and perform locally. The academy has recently also formed a youth choir.

Reverend Fetty's many public service activities include the Manhasset Rotary Club, Manhasset Clergy Association, Interfaith Nutrition Network. The L.I. Council of Churches and the Manhasset Forum Against Teenage Drug and Alcohol Abuse.

He is an adjunct professor of theology at Molloy College, has authored 11 books and a number of magazine and newspaper articles.

Reverend Fetty will retire later this year and leave Manhasset with his wife, Sara, for Grand Rapids, MI.

The Community Service Awards ceremony was planned and organized by 1st Vice Commander Frank Brady. Videotaping of the event for Public Access TV was performed by volunteer Peter Lindner, Ryan Linn and John Polowczyk of Manhasset High School. Legionnaire Tom Crombie was the photographer. Facilities and refreshments were arranged by the Post's House Committee, chaired by William A. Baxter.