To the stirring strains of the Wearing of the Green and the Minstrel Boy played by the bagpipers of the Nassau County Police Department, police officers assembled at Mary Jane Davies Green in Manhasset on June 15 to honor a fallen comrade. The ceremony was part of a series of such events taking place throughout Nassau County. Police Officer Coote was killed in 1961 trying to stop an armed robbery of the then Food Fair supermarket in what is now the Filene's shopping center. Signs in memory of Officer Coote were attached to Plandome Road street signs in the central portion of Manhasset.

North Hempstead Supervisor May Newburger, Nassau County Police Commissioner Willett, Police Union Chief Delaraba and County Executive Thomas Gulotta addressed the assembled audience. Mr. Gulotta said that he is especially proud of his association with the Nassau County Police Department, pointing to the lowest crime rate in 25 years. Supervisor Newburger echoed his sentiments, saying that we tend to take our police and fire departments for granted, but they're there when we need them.

Present at the ceremony were Mrs. Coote and the officer's daughter and son, Joseph Coote Jr. who was born after his father's murder.

Prior to the event honoring Officer Coote there had been some controversy about the street signs. Other ways of honoring Officer Coote were suggested. In the end the signs were put in place and they harmonize well with the Plandome Road signs.