8th Precinct Officer, 8th Squad Detective Honored at Town Ceremony

The Town of Hempstead honored an officer from the 8th Precinct and a detective from the 8th Squad at a ceremony at Hempstead Town Hall on Tuesday.

8th Precinct Officer Paul Lamonica and 8th Squad detective John Barbato were among 15 county officers and 10 county detectives honored by Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and the rest of the Town at the September 20 ceremony.

"Police officers in our town and villages make significant sacrifices every day to ensure our safety and maintain our peaceful neighborhoods," said Town Supervisor Kate Murray. "When others are running away from danger, they run towards it, putting their lives on the line in pursuit of helping innocent bystanders and victims and pursuing criminals."

Lamonica works with the 8th Precinct's Problem Oriented Unit, where he works with a variety of people, ranging from schools to religious groups to individuals. He was praised for helping to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the 8th Precinct.

"Boundless enthusiasm and unwavering commitment are
characteristics of the Officer’s daily performance," Murray said of LaMonaca. "He walks comfortably in all aspects of community life and he deals respectfully with everyone. He is a trusted face and respected voice within the 8th Precinct and a role model for fellow officers in the department."

Traits of Barbato's that were praised were his professionalism, his interaction with the public and his dedication to his work. "In a career of exceptional police work, John Barbato has exhibited remarkable investigative skills and his instincts and insights are beyond reproach," said Murray. "In the past year alone, Detective Barbato has compiled thirty-five arrests.  A man of immense pride and dogged determination, the detective represents his department in fine and fitting fashion."

In her opening remarks, Murray called on all government officials to acknowledge the work and the sacrifices that police officers make for their community, especially in the wake of the deaths of officers Geoffrey Breitkopf and Michael Califano. "These losses underscore the dangers of the job," said Murray. "As government officials face difficult budgetary decisions, remember, you can't put a price tag on public safety."