ICYMI: Northport Officer Among 22 Honored for Making Most DWI Arrests in Suffolk County

By PRISCILA KORB (Patch Staff)

Two local police officers were among the 22 total officers honored at a ceremony on Tuesday, May 19 for making the most DWI arrests in Suffolk County.

Northport Police Officer Michael Gigante and Second Precinct Officer Josh Parsons were honored by Suffolk County Executive Bellone, who was joined by Legislators Sarah Anker, Kate Browning and Kara Hahn as well as Suffolk County Police Department Chief James Burke and Assistant Deputy County Executive Tim Sini.

The ceremony, which was held at the Suffolk County Police Academy, honored all the officers and awarded one sheriff with the Top Cop award after making 143 arrests this year.

“These officers have saved hundreds of lives by making DWI a priority and arresting those individuals who make the irresponsible decision to drink and drive,” Bellone said. “Suffolk County will not tolerate drunk driving on our roadways. We remain committed to arresting anyone who chooses to drink and then get behind the wheel of a car, endangering the lives of others.”

According to Bellone, Suffolk County police agencies made over 3,800 arrests last year and over 14,000 DWI arrests in the past 3 years.

Last year, 45 people were killed in Suffolk County by drunk drivers.

However, since 2012, Suffolk County has experienced a 25 percent decline in arrests and a 25 percent decline in fatalities.

In addition to Gigante and Parsons, the following officers were honored at the ceremony:

• David Leath- SCPD 1st Precinct
• John Mercurio- SCPD 3rd Precinct
• Doug Nassisi- SCPD 4th Precinct
• Timothy Vicinanza- SCPD 5th Precinct
• Frank Saracino- SCPD 6th Precinct
• Kevin Csoka- SCPD 7th Precinct
• Roger Kleber- SCPD SAFE T
• Harry Jos- SCPD HWY
• Deputy Sheriff Thomas Young- SCSO
• Trooper Jeffrey M. Rink- NYS Police
• Dave Driscoll- Amityville PD
• Ashley Jones - Southampton Village Police Department
• Steven C. Niggles - East Hampton Village Police Department
• Timothy Murphy - Riverhead Town Police Department
• Carl Schottenhamel - Southampton Town Police Department
• Rory Flatley - Southold Town Police Department
• Vincent Rantinella - East Hampton Town Police Department
• Christopher Drake - Shelter Island Police Department
• Steven McManus - Westhampton Beach Police Department
• Daniel Bennett - Quogue Police Department

Congratulations to all of the honorees.

Image of Gigante via Office of Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone