Whoever doesn't believe that there are heroes and role models in their own community who aren't professional athletes or entertainers has never met Scott Strauss.

A well-respected member of the community, Strauss has also stayed involved whether it be his achievement of Eagle Scout for Troop 45, a coach in the Mineola Athletic Association or the numerous hours he puts in as the first assistant chief of the Mineola Fire Department. But when it comes to his professional work, Strauss also puts in the same dedication he does for his community.

On Jan. 17, New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly honored three members of the New York City Police Department with its highest honor, the Medal of Honor, for heroics displayed during the attack on the World Trade Center.

Among the honorees were Detective Patrick McGee, Police Officer Judith Hernandez and Detective Strauss of Mineola.

When the south tower collapsed on Sept. 11, 2001, Hernandez and her partners were in the sub-levels directing people to safety. One of her partners was severely wounded. She single-handedly carried him up two flights of stairs to safety. McGee and Strauss arrived after the towers fell, and when they heard reports that two officers were trapped in the rubble, they disregarded their own safety and plunged into the wreckage to find them. After three hours, they found the officers, cleared the rubble and pulled them to safety.

In December, for the "We Are Mineola" awards dinner, Mr. Strauss was reunited with the Port Authority Police Officer he saved. Prior to that, Strauss had also attended the christening of the officer's baby who got to see his dad thanks to the efforts of those like Strauss.