Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club Awarded Citation for Cultivating Positive Communication Between Kids and Law Enforcement

Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos presented Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club Board Member Jack McDougal with a Citation for Community Service and his efforts in facilitating the Snacks with Officer Jack program at the Club.

While so many communities around the country are struggling with tarnished relations between law enforcement and community, Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club is taking a proactive role in cultivating communication and encouraging positive attitude between police and youth through the Snacks with Officer Jack program. The brainchild of board member Carla Hall D’Ambra and facilitated by retired Sergeant Jack McDougal, Snacks with Officer Jack strives to help build trust with law enforcement while encouraging youth to maintain positive outlook and engagement with police officers. “Children are getting mixed messages about police officers. At Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club we wanted to create a program where our children learn that police officers are our helpers and are there to watch out for us and keep us safe. We are also teaching our kids to be respectful, not only of police officers, but of each other as well. It is a wonderful program,” said Ms. Hall D’Ambra. Snacks with Officer Jack also addresses important issues relevant to today’s youth culture including bullying, empathy, compassion, sportsmanship, Club and community pride, current events, and what it means to be a police officer. Members read stories, join in fun activities and participate in engaging discussions and thought provoking subject matter.

“When Carla approached me with her proposal for Snacks with Officer Jack, I was very interested in the idea because I have always enjoyed interacting with the youth in the community whether as a school resource officer for Glen Cove Police Department, a mentor or coach for one of the various sports teams. The program gives members of the Club the opportunity to discuss with a former police officer questions relating to police and community relations in addition to current events and other relevant topics. The informal after school format became an immediate success with the children keeping me on my toes each week with their challenging questions and comments,” said Sergeant McDougal. Snacks, donated by board members and volunteers, are a major component of the weekly program. “I thought the snack would be the star of the show in our Snacks with Officer Jack program, but not so! Without a doubt, Officer Jack McDougal is the star. The kids love him,” added Ms. Hall D’Ambra. 11 year-old Club member Anna G agrees wholeheartedly, “Officer Jack is kind and he deserves this award because he helps us kids by teaching us all right from wrong, and what it means to be a great police officer.”

“Seeing the joy from the children that came to honor Sergeant Jack McDougal truly made it an honor and a privilege to present him with a citation recognizing his many years of outstanding community service. Officer Jack has made a world of difference in the lives of many children over the years,” said Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos. Senior Asset Manager Anthony Geneva, who accompanied Mr. Maragos, said, “I must say the citation given to Jack is very well deserved. Jack has contributed and touched many lives within the City of Glen Cove. As I stood and watched the Comptroller present the citation to Jack I could see the admiration the children have for Jack, it was truly extraordinary. It was great to witness the presentation and the Glen Cove Boys & Girl Club is quite fortunate to have Officer Jack. He promotes great citizenship.”

Snacks with Officer Jack, now in its second year, started out as a weekly program for younger members of the Club. A mega success amongst the kids, the program was extended to accommodate teens, who are equally excited to participate in the curriculum. “Through this program, our members are learning to respect and understand the important role law enforcement plays in all of our lives. More than that though, we encourage our kids to participate in a number of constructive and productive programs and activities focusing on education and career development and character and leadership development, all designed to promote positive youth development that result in successful futures and good citizenship. With juvenile arrests taking place every three minutes, the more children that walk through our doors, the more children we can positively impact and keep off the streets,” said GCBGC Executive Director, Franca Trunzo.

To learn more about Snacks with Officer Jack, contact Education Director, Sean O’Callaghan at

socallaghan@glencovebgc.org.