‘A life of great significance’ for Sgt. Emanuele Alongi

East Meadow’s Woods Avenue has been renamed Sergeant Emanuele Alongi Avenue to honor the sacrifice and heroism of the late New York City Police Department sergeant who died June of 2020 of a Sept. 11-related illness.

The corner of Woods Avenue and Sussex Road was packed with Alongi’s family, friends, and neighbors Oct. 15 for a special ceremony.

Alongi, 50 when he died, was a 30-year resident of Woods Avenue in East Meadow.

“It is a sad day for some memories, but is it a positive day, because you’re recognizing a hero,” Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin said. “Somebody who when he was in the academy, when those towers went down, got in a car with all the heroes, men and women and drove over there, got on top of that hill looked for bodies.”

Alongi joined the NYPD in July 2001, and while still in training when the Sept. 11 attacks happened, he sprung into action and headed to the World Trade Center to help with the response and recovery efforts.

He worked at the 17th Precinct and was promoted to sergeant in September 2008 where he served at District 4 Transit. He planned on retiring in July 2021 with 20 years of service, but was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer.

“For months his career advanced,” Clavin said. “Then in the twilight at a very young age he was stolen from us because of those terrorist attacks, and that is something we can never forget.”

One by one, those who worked with him and family members got up to speak about the kind of man Alongi was.

Commanding Office of Transit District 4 Captain William Haut spoke of what a positive attitude ‘Manny’ always had even when battling cancer.

“He’s always remembered by members of Transit District 4 for his positive outlook, for being a comedian and really being there for everybody,” Haut said. “ He really touched a lot of people and he will never be forgotten.”

“Manny’s was a life of great significance,” Chief of Transit Jason Wilcox said.

“It’s comforting and I’m proud to be here to know that the street has been named for him, and for all the people here today that will see this sign, and for the many years and generations to come that will see the sign, they too will remember Manny’s sacrifice and his heroism.”

Wilcox made a special announcement for the Alongi family, and introduced one of transit’s newest canine recruits, which they decided to name Manny.

“I have no doubt that Manny is in heaven smiling down on us today,” Salvatore Alongi, Manny’s brother said. “He was a God-fearing man since we were kids up until the day he left this earth and held the bible close to his heart.”

Salvatore spoke of how Manny loved to jog in Eisenhower Park, and take long bike rides on the boardwalk at Jones Beach. He loved his neighborhood and community and would always be his mentor, Salvatore said.

“My hope,” Salvatore said, “is that when people see his name, they realize that our law enforcement officers and first responders are the finest and bravest people among us.”

“My dad was truly one of a kind,” Angelina Alongi, Manny’s daughter said. “He was the most gentle, humble and God-fearing man in my life.

“The most important thing about my dad is that he touched so many. He was always looking for ways to help anyone who needed it and he always knew exactly what to say.”

Together, Salvatore and Angelina pulled the cloth revealing the new street sign on top of Woods Avenue.