American Legion Honors Garden City Firefighter, Police Officer

Garden City Volunteer Firefighter Dan Roeper and Police Officer Steve Roumeliotis both received Law & Order Awards during ceremonies recently hosted by William Bradford Turner American Legion Post 265. Law and Order Awards recognize the outstanding contributions of top law enforcement, firefighting and emergency medical personnel and units.

Firefighter Roeper moved back to Garden City in 2015 and shortly thereafter began pursuing a business management degree at Hofstra University. He wanted to use his spare time productively to give back to the community in which he grew up so he joined the Garden City Fire Department in 2018. He immediately signed up for all his basic firefighter training and spent countless hours completing the requirements successfully.

Firefighter Roeper continued beyond basic training, advancing his firefighting skills by training on multiple fire apparatus and equipment. Gaining all of this knowledge and skill, he then decided to assist in training the Department’s Junior Firefighters. He also signed up to help the Uniform Committee, ensuring members are supplied and fitted properly.

“His goals for the Fire Department are to continue advancement with all forms of training and potentially run for line officer down the road,” Chief Thomas Strysko said. “The Garden City Fire Department is proud and grateful to have Dan as a valuable member of this Department and looks forward to a long association.”

Police Commissioner Ken Jackson nominated Officer Roumeliotis to receive this illustrious award for his dedication and efforts in making the Village’s schools safer. Officer Roumeliotis currently teaches the Department’s Pride Program (Drug and Alcohol Awareness) to fifth grade students.

In addition, he has been instrumental in developing safety programs for the youth of Garden City, including but not limited to traffic safety, anti-bullying lectures and various school safety programs. Commissioner Jackson thanks Commander Frank Tauches and William Bradford Turner Post 265 for recognizing the services of the Police Officers and Firefighters of the Village.