Nassau County To Rename Oceanside Park After Luis Alvarez

On Tuesday, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran signed a resolution to rename a park in honor of retired NYPD Detective Luis Alvarez in his hometown of Oceanside.

Alvarez was a detective with the NYPD's bomb squad, and responded to the rubble of the World Trade Center after Sept. 11, where he worked for three months. He developed cancer from his time on the pile, and became a champion of getting benefits for 9/11 first responders. Shortly before his death, he gave an impassioned speech to lawmakers on the House Judiciary subcommittee to give more funding to the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

Alvarez died from colon cancer on July 29. He was mourned by thousands at his funeral.

"This park will serve as a symbol and reminder of his sacrifice and unwavering fight for 9/11 first responders," Curran said. "We hope his family, friends and the community will enjoy this tranquil neighborhood space dedicated in his honor."

The county will be renaming Terrell Avenue Park to the Detective Luis G. Alvarez Memorial Park. The park is a one-acre property at the intersection of Terrell Avenue and Washington Avenue. It's a quiet area with a series of benches that front a stream.

"The outpouring of love and respect for Lou continues to be overwhelming to us all," Alvarez's family said in a statement. "Lou was a very strong man and protector of family, friends and strangers. However, equally as important was the time he had to himself to quietly think and reflect. To have this beautiful meditation and reflection park in his hometown of Oceanside for adults and children to enjoy, is truly an honor to the legacy of Luis Alvarez as well as the entire Alvarez Family. Thank you to Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and the residents of Nassau County for this beautiful gesture."

In addition to the park, the Town of Hempstead is also planning to rename the block where Alvarez lived in his honor.