‘Eyes and ears’ gets a command center

To better serve its coverage area, the volunteer Fourth Precinct Auxiliary Police Unit 109 will use a former ambulance as a mobile command center, making them the first auxiliary unit in Nassau County to have one.

Purchased from the Woodmere Fire Department, the vehicle will be used in emergency situations, at county and local events such as community fairs and runs and for recruitment of new members.

Fourth Precinct Auxiliary Police Commanding Officer Capt. Danny Gluck, a 12-year veteran of the volunteer unit, said he plans to use the command center as a mini-communication center where auxiliary officers can call in as well as sign on and off their shifts. Gluck also plans to equip it with computers and auxiliary police applications for new recruits. “I’m looking forward to getting it out on the road and serving the Five Towns community,” he said.

The money to purchase the vehicle came from funding from the villages of Cedarhurst and Lawrence as well as private donations, Gluck said.

Five Towns Community Chest Executive Director Bob Block said the command post would be a great asset to the Auxiliary Unit. “Over the past number of years the unit serving the Five Towns has grown tremendously,” he said. “Their presence at local events such as parades, fairs, street sales, 5K runs, concerts, memorials, outdoor movies, and any other special community gatherings has been evident.”

Lawrence Mayor Martin Oliner said the mobile command post is a wonderful thing for the community. “It was a great idea, especially for crowded areas and when they need to communicate,” he said. “It will also be a great service to the community.”

The 30 members of this auxiliary police unit functions as an extra set of eyes and ears for the Nassau County police Fourth Precinct, which covers the Five Towns and Atlantic Beach.

“It helps with going out on details (local events) and emergency disasters,” Dave Smollett, the Lawrence village administrator said about the new command center. “We’re happy they were able to get that to help support their cause in providing the safety and welfare of the village.”

Invaluable and dedicated are two words Block used to describe the auxiliary police, who he thinks will be helped immeasurably by this new addition. “This new command post vehicle will allow for greater visibility and mobility as well as give a greater presence and a more professional appearance to the unit,” he said. “This will allow them to do an even better job in providing a safe environment for our community not only during events but at all times.”

For information about becoming a Fourth Precinct Auxiliary Police Officer, call (516) 522-5395.