Hempstead, NY - Nassau County Executive Laura Curran joined with Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder to gift tactical bags containing protective and lifesaving police equipment to the Hempstead Village Police Department. New York State Assemblywoman Taylor Darling, Hempstead Village Mayor Don Ryan and Village trustees were also in attendance.
“It is essential to make sure all law enforcement officers in our county have the tools they need to keep our communities safe. The Nassau County and Hempstead Police Departments have a strong partnership that gets real results, and Nassau County Police Department Commissioner Patrick Ryder and I are glad we can provide this state-of-the-art tactical equipment to the officers of the Village of Hempstead Police Department,” said Nassau County Executive Curran.
“As of today, major crime has decreased in the Village of Hempstead since the Hempstead Initiate began 20 weeks ago. The Nassau County Police Department and Hempstead Police Department working together is making the Hempstead community a safer place for all. The announcement and acquisition of new protective and safety equipment for Hempstead Police will also continue to keep both our Police Officers and its residents safe,” said Nassau County Police Commissioner Ryder
The tactical bags are filled with critical equipment for law enforcement officers including;
- Tactical Helmets
- Tactical Vests
- Breaching Sledge
- Life Vac (non-powered, non-invasive, suction rescue device developed for resuscitating a choking victim)
- Tourniquets
The state-of-the-art tools will help to enhance safety and policing in the Village of Hempstead. The tactical bags and equipment will be placed in Hempstead Village Police vehicles. The equipment was funded in part by asset forfeiture funds from the Nassau County Police Departments Asset Forfeiture Unit.
“We are pleased to cooperate with the County Executive and the Nassau County Police Department to ensure the safety and security of our police officers, who put their lives on the line each and every day to protect our neighborhoods. These vests, helmets, life vacs, and entry tools help our officers stay safe, which in turn provides greater peace of mind for their loved ones while they are in the line of duty. This is an effort we are proud to get behind,” said Mayor Don Ryan.
"I commend County Executive Curran and the Nassau County Police Department for providing these additional resources to the Village of Hempstead Police Department. We must continue to provide our law enforcement officers with the tools necessary to protect and serve the community. We recognize and thank those officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe," said Senator Kevin Thomas.
“Today displays a great partnership between Nassau County PD and Hempstead PD. I would like to thank County Exec Laura Curran and Police Commissioner Ryder for providing the Hempstead Police Department with necessary tools to keep our officers safe, while they work to keep our community safe,” said Assemblywoman Taylor Darling.
“This March, I had the opportunity to bring together stakeholders from Hempstead Village and Nassau County to launch the successful Hempstead Initiative, which swiftly got drugs, illegal guns and dozens of gang members off our streets. Today’s announcement reaffirms the County’s commitment to ensuring Hempstead’s police officers are equipped to achieve their community policing mission,” said Nassau County Legislator Siela A. Bynoe.