Officers Shot in Line of Duty Presented With First-Ever Keys to Town of Hempstead

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NY - Two local NYPD officers who were shot in the line of duty were recently presented the Town of Hempstead's first-ever "Keys to the Town," according to Supervisor Anthony J. Santino.

The officers, Lynbrook resident William Reddin and Wantagh resident Andrew Yurkiw were both injured in an pursuit and standoff with an armed man in Brooklyn last month.

“Day and night, police officers are on the streets and in the neighborhoods, putting their lives on the line to protect us,” Santino said. “They are our heroes, the first responders on the front lines. We’re proud to say that these two courageous officers call the Town of Hempstead home.”

At about 3:20 a.m. on February 20, both officers responded to “shot-spotter” technology in Bedford-Stuyvesant, which indicated that shots were fired in the vicinity.

They spotted a car driving recklessly and going the wrong way down the street before the armed man pointed a gun at the officers and fired.

Yurkiw was shot in the chest, but saved by his bulletproof vest. Reddin was shot in the lower back and hip area and required surgery.

Both officers were treated and released from the hospital within days of the incident.

The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office recently announced that the suspect was indicted and charged with 37-counts that could result in 50 years to life in prison if convicted.

“It’s truly an honor to recognize two courageous men from our hometown who risked their lives to protect the community that they serve,” Councilman Gary Hudes said. “

Photo: Facebook.com/Town of Hempstead

Photo caption: Hempstead Town Supervisor Anthony J. Santino, Councilman Gary Hudes, Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney, Councilman Anthony D'Esposito, Town Clerk Nasrin Ahmad and Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin present first-ever Keys to the Town to NYPD Officers William Reddin of Lynbrook and Andrew Yurkiw of Wantagh