Town of Hempstead to support Nassau auxiliary police

The Town of Hempstead will help to support 17 Nassau County volunteer auxiliary police units, including the Fourth Precinct — South unit that patrols the Five Towns by giving each one $1,000 for recruitment, training and equipment this year. The units can request the money the following year as well.

Auxiliary police officers patrol the communities they are assigned to, provide security and crowd control at local events and assist the county police. “We are proud to announce this partnership with local auxiliary units to keep out township safe and a great place to live, work and raise a family,” Councilman Bruce Blakeman said in a news release.

Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, a retired New York Police Department detective, noted that the auxiliary officers are also a vital resource in the ongoing opioid crisis, responding to overdoses and other life-and-death situations. “Whether it’s an emergency or simply keeping a watchful eye over local neighborhoods, these auxiliary units will be an invaluable part of our community,” he said in the same release.