This teen wanted to honor community heroes. Read to find out how.

Lynbrook’s memory of three officers who died in the line of duty has faded over the decades. Declan Regan, 17, took it upon himself to change that.

For his Eagle Scout project, Regan created the first of three memorials for the fallen officers. The memorial is, as Lynbrook Police Chief Brian Palladino described, “subtle but striking.”

A lamppost with a blue light stands on the corner of Rocklyn Avenue and Merrick Road, surrounded by flowers. At its base lies a bronze plaque honoring Patrolman Frederick Conrad Secker, who was struck by a car while patrolling that very street corner 94 years ago.

“The greatest thing we can do for these men — and anybody who commits themselves to serving their community — would be to remember them,” Regan said. “To show your personal support, and show your support as a community, saying: we are here because of contributions by these officers and thousands of others.”

Palladino and Police Benevolence Association President Anthony Falsitta looked for someone to take on a project in remembrance of fallen officers. When Regan came along, they knew he was the perfect person for the job.

“He was the right kid to be able to do it,” Palladino said. “He’s very diligent, he’s very eager. He’s a hands-on kid, he’s handy.”

Regan worked with the PBA and Sandorfi Brothers Landscape on the logistics of the project. The memorial required months of designing, planning, and executing — but Regan was committed to seeing it come to life. 

“This has been months in the works, meeting with the chief, the mayor, the building department,” said his father, Chris Regan. “To be at a meeting with three or four older adults where you’re 16, 17 years old, and expressing your ideas, and what you’re looking for and what you’re hoping to accomplish, it’s fantastic.”

The memorial for Secker was unveiled in a June 26 ceremony. Thanks to Regan’s project, the dozens of people gathered at the ceremony are now keeping Patrolman Secker’s memory alive. Secker passed Jan. 12, 1929 — the country was still in Prohibition, and the police department had been instructed to crack down on the illegal transportation of alcohol.

Secker, on night patrol, stepped out into Merrick Road in an attempt to stop a car. But there were no lanes or streetlights on that section of the road, and Secker had no flashlight, no backup officers, and was clad in a dark blue uniform.

He was struck by a car just past midnight, and died at the hospital three hours later. Secker had been all but forgotten until Lynbrook Historian Arthur Mattson happened across the report while rifling through microfilm archives in the basement of Hofstra University for his book, “The History of Lynbrook.”

“Every police officer death — no matter what time it is — they did something in the line of duty, something that was trying to better the community,” Palladino said. “I think they should be remembered for that.”

“I can't help but to think of the details not printed in black white,” Falsitta said at the memorial. “Was he able to put his children to bed that night before going to work? Was he able to tell them ‘I love you’ before walking out the front door? What was the last conversation he had with his wife?”

Secker left a wife and two young sons behind. A community fund was started in an effort to help Secker’s family pay off the mortgage on their house on Pearsall Avenue, and just like today, Lynbrook showed up for its neighbors in need. Donors ranged from bank presidents to third graders. The community ultimately raised $2,631, which is equivalent to an astounding $110,461 today. And 94 years later, the community came together once more thanks to the actions of one caring individual.

“Your ability to recognize the sacrifices made many years ago has helped keep patrolman Frederick Secker’s name alive, and we are forever grateful,” Falsitta said to Regan.

The idea that a 17-year-old high school student took months of his time to create a memorial — one in honor of someone he had no personal connection to — struck a chord with the many in attendance.

“I feel like with the younger generation, a life of service is being forgotten about,” Falsitta said. “For him to take on a project like this — it’s not something we see too often anymore, and we’re extremely proud of him for doing it.”

The next two memorial projects will be taken on by other scouts completing their Eagle Scout projects.

“I was really happy that I was able to do something that would last a long time, be able to stick out in community, and mean a lot to members of the police department and hopefully many others,” Regan said. “I hope that this project will inspire others to honor those who serve their communities, so that they may not be forgotten.”