Police Promoted; New Officer Takes Her Oath

It was Police Commissioner Kenneth Jackson’s privilege and honor to introduce Lieutenant William Petito and Sergeant Paul Edwards to the Board of Trustees September 20, speaking highly of their accolades while serving the Village for a combined 55 years. Commissioner Jackson also introduced a new officer to the Department’s ranks.

Lt. Petito first joined the Garden City Police Department in July 1992 after a brief stint in the financial world. Less than 10 years later, he earned a position in the Department’s Tactical/Traffic Enforcement Division. Along with many other honors in 2001, Lt. Petito was awarded the Excellent Service medal for apprehending a known gang member charged with attempted murder of a police officer. Four years later he was promoted to sergeant.

Raised in Massapequa, Lt. Petito is the son of a highly decorated New York City Transit Police Officer from Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He received an associate degree in science, majoring in business administration, from the State University of New York at Farmingdale and a Bachelor of Arts degree, while majoring in economics, at the State University of New York at Geneseo.

“Lieutenant Petito has proven himself an exceptional officer and leader,” Commissioner Jackson said. “We have no doubt he will excel in this new role.”

Sgt. Edwards is a veteran officer, having joined the Department in September 1989. During his 29 years in the Village, he has received numerous commendations and awards. During his tenure, Sgt. Edwards has served as a patrol officer, tactical officer, field training officer, truck inspection officer and now sergeant. He attended both St. Lawrence University and Hofstra University. He and his wife, Lori, have a five-year-old son, John.

“Sergeant Edwards has distinguished himself through his hard work and devotion to public service, showing outstanding character and integrity,” Commissioner Jackson said. “He will be an excellent role model for the officers under his supervision.”

Officer Samantha Wixted, after graduating Queens College, worked as a cadet with the New York City Police Department for two years. She was promoted to Police Officer in October 2016 . Her first assignment was patrol; she spent the duration of her career in the 14th precinct where she often handled grand larcenies, assaults and commercial burglaries.

Officer Wixted grew up in Oakdale but now resides in Ronkonkoma with her husband, Thomas, a New York City Police Officer for five years who is now a Nassau County Police Officer in the 4th Precinct. Her father-in-law also served the Village of Sands Point as a Police Officer for 30 years and her uncle is a lieutenant in the New York City Police Department.