Changed by 9/11: Mallory Nathan, Bay Constable

Ever since Sept. 11, Mallory Nathan, the Town of North Hempstead’s chief bay constable, sees Manhasset Bay, with its backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, a little differently.

“I was so used to seeing the Twin Towers,” he said while cruising the bay recently in a town patrol boat. Their absence, he said, became a reminder of the smoldering towers and the heavy smell that lingered over the harbor – just 14 miles away from Manhattan.

It’s also sharpened the need to stay vigilant.

North Hempstead residents and international boaters alike enjoy the harbor. And while Nathan does his best to help them connect to local resources ­– the shops, restaurants, and available moorings – he is also increasingly watchful.

It’s a trait he’s honed since Sept. 11. He’s trained through STARCOM (“Stop Terrorism Aggressive Response Coordinate Operational Manage),” communicating regularly with its members, including those from the Nassau County Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Federal Aviation Administration, and military intelligence.

They conduct mock scenarios, critiquing themselves on failures and efficiencies “to help enhance future training and be better prepared,” he said.

Nathan says he’s gotten to know high levels of law enforcement, even the head of the FAA. At first he questioned what value he was bringing as Town constable. The reply: “You have the local knowledge.”

That mix – the high-ranking officials and local personnel – “became a very successful thing,” Nathan said.“ If God forbid there’s an incident, [they’ll say] ‘That’s Mal, I recognize his voice. It’s not a hoax.”

Since Sept. 11, the town received grants to purchase two high-speed patrol boats, enabling Nathan and his team – many of them former police officers – to quickly meet up with other constables from Oyster Bay and Glen Cove if needed, especially on homeland security matters.

Said Nathan: “I’m thankful for the grants to do our jobs better.” 

[Editor's Note: Patch posted a video asking the bay constable what he was doing on Sept. 11. The response is not about the day so much but about the weeks following.]