Police Officer Honored For Helping Nassau Resident

A Nassau County Police Officer was honored by the Town of Oyster Bay on Wednesday for his selfless act in helping a Massapequa resident after a nor'easter earlier this year.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Thomas Hand and Police Benevolent Association President James McDermott joined together to recognize the Good Samaritan act of Officer Joseph Dercole for going above and beyond the call of duty.

"Officer Dercole is a dedicated public servant, who, throughout his tenure in law enforcement, has exemplified the highest ideals of public service and dedication to the job," Saladino said. "It's my honor to recognize Officer Dercole for an entirely different reason, for going above and beyond the call of duty to help Massapequa resident Carol Gordon in her time of need. I'm proud to help highlight today Officer Dercole's actions, and remind everyone that that a good deed such as this can help brighten a person's day under unfortunate circumstances."

On March 3, Clocks Boulevard in Massapequa was flooded by a nor'easter. Carol Gordon woke up in the morning after the storm to find two deep tire tracks on her front law. She called the police and Dercole took the report. Sensing that she was upset with the outcome, Dercole returned two days later, on his own time, and delivered three bags of topsoil, a bag of grass seed and a large house plant, along with a note saying he would be available to help spread the dirt and seed.

Gordon said she was touched by Dercole's kindness and called the police department to find out how she could get Dercole recognition for his good deed.

"The safety and well-being of our residents are in the hands of brave men and women in law enforcement, who over their years of service, earn the respect of colleagues and the community with steadfast dedication, professionalism and attention to detail," Hand said. "On top of that, Officer Dercole's actions help prove that the good deeds of others are the foundation of a healthy community and serve as an important role model for others who will one day follow suit. I salute Officer Dercole for his actions and extraordinary community service."

Photo courtesy Town of Oyster Bay