Town honors police officers

Supervisor Kate Murray and the Hempstead board honored 15 Nassau County police officers and 10 village police officers at a ceremony on Sept. 20 at the Nathan L.H. Bennett Pavilion at Town Hall in Hempstead.

“From solving murders and extensive undercover work to patrolling our streets, our police honorees have distinguished themselves as local heroes,” said Murray. “The town is proud to have the opportunity to recognize those who serve and protect our residents.”

Detective Robert Nill and Police Officer Charles Zanni, both Nassau County’s Fourth Precinct, which patrols Oceanside and Island Park, were honored.

Through uncanny instincts and uncommon insights, Detective Robert Nill brought the curtain down on an extended campaign of retail store burglaries that infiltrated the tri-state area and recovered thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise.

Two years ago, the officer immersed himself in an investigation of burglaries at major retail stores in our area. Researching the crimes, Nill uncovered an alarming consistency in the burglaries, determining that items were stolen from stockrooms and smuggled out emergency exits unbeknownst to store employees.

Due to his tireless and tenacious investigation, Nill engineered a search that soon discovered two viable suspects. The evidence was iron clad, the investigation was impeccable, and the wave of burglaries was ended.

Problem-Oriented Police Officer Charles Zanni of the Fourth Precinct is an integral part of the community he serves.

Officer Zanni deals effectively with quality of life issues that impact the safety and well-being of local residents.

The officer acts as a link between the Fourth Precinct and the local community. He is a liaison with local government, area schools, civic groups, and houses of worship.