On last Tuesday, September 9, Massapequa resident Denis Klaus was honored by Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi and Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey for assisting the Nassau County police in coming to the aid of victims and apprehending suspected criminals.

Klaus was honored for his role in thwarting the attempted robbery of a civilian in Wantagh, one that took place on July 11, 2007.

On that date, according to Nassau County police, a Dunkin Donuts employee, Ratajit Teja, walked from the Dunkin Donuts store to the Chase Bank at 1201 Wantagh Ave., intending to deposit the day's receipts. An unknown male grabbed him around the neck and forcefully tried to take the bag containing cash and checks. A struggle ensued and the bag ripped in half; Teja retained the top of the bag containing cash and the subject was able to flee with the bottom half containing checks.

Teja, police added, ran into the bank, leaving the cash deposit with the teller, and ran out again only to see the subject and possibly his accomplice running through the parking lot.

The citation from the county for Denis Klaus further states: "Denis D. Klaus, a civilian postal employee, had witnessed the robbery and recognized the subjects. He approached the victim and the responding police officers with information that was instrumental in solving the case. He told the police officers that he recognized the subjects from his mail route and knew the address at which they lived.

"The police officers immediately responded to the address given by Mr. Klaus. Upon obtaining permission from a female occupant to enter the home to search for the subjects, the officers found them hiding, one in the attic and one in the basement. The victim was brought to the scene; he identified both men, and they were arrested.

"Mr. Denis Klaus' keen observations facilitated the quick identification and apprehension of the subjects," the citation concluded. "His role was instrumental in solving this crime and he is most deserving of this award."

Klaus was one of the six civilians honored by the county.

Another recipient was firefighter Philip J. Scarfi, who was responsible for the life-sustaining emergency medical assistance rendered to police officer Kenneth Baribault on May 18, after an alleged drunk driver plowed into his parked patrol car.

In addition, Vincent S. LoRusso, an off-duty NYPD Captain who extricated an elderly woman from her flipped and burning vehicle prior to the arrival of police and fire department personnel, was also honored.

Other recipients of the Commissioner's Award are Fritz Moise of Westbury, Angela List of Levittown, and Steven J. Accardi of Bellmore.

The Commissioner's Award Ceremony was held at the Assembly Hall of Police Headquarters, 1490 Franklin Avenue, Mineola.