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Overcast A night of honor at the Legion
Emergency responders recognized at Law and Order Night
Nassau County Police officers, Julio Chaves of the 2nd Precinct, and Michael Valela, Joseph Clougher and Thomas Reed of the 7th Precinct, were recognized at Law and Order Night on March 16 at the Seaford American Legion, for their quick thinking and first responder skills. Emergency medical technicians Kristy Juliano, Felice Blizzarro and Thomas Bremen were also acknowledged for their life-saving actions.
“The best feeling was actually getting to meet him afterwards,” Juliano said about referee Terry Twibell, who went into cardiac arrest in January. “The back of the ambulance was a little scary because it was the first time I had actually seen someone almost die right in front of me. Not knowing the end result and trying to revive him was so nerve wracking, but the best part is knowing that he did survive and that he’s up and running, still playing basketball and riding his bike.
“It’s exciting and honorable that we get to be recognized for what we do,” she added. You hear of all of these stories where people end up dying, but lucky for us, we were able to bring him back.”
Twibell, a longtime Seaford resident and father of four, was officiating an eighth-grade girls’ CYO basketball game at Seaford Middle School when he suddenly collapsed on the court. It was the actions of the officers and medics from the 7th Precinct that saved his life.
“It’s a bit chaotic, but your training starts to kick in and it sort of just happens,” officer Michael Valela said. “Once we got him back, it was amazing and the most awesome feeling.
“I appreciate being recognized but I also appreciate these gentleman for their service to our country,” said the former NYPD officer. “I love being a cop and most of us take this job to help and protect people.”
All of the Law and Order recipients received plaques from the Seaford American Legion and celebrated with their families and enjoyed refreshments after the ceremony. The post also made a donation to the Seaford Fire Department, which was presented to Chief Robert Podesta.
