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A Few Clouds Here are the 2023 heroes of Malverne who work tirelessly every day to make your community safe
Members of the police, ambulance and fire departments — as well as other “unsung heroes” in the community — were honored during Malverne’s Law & Order Night on Feb. 22.
The Malverne American Legion Post 44 paid tribute to its outstanding community members by celebrating those who work tirelessly — without seeking praise — to protect the village and its residents.
Edward Howard, the post’s Law & Order chairman, said the event also recognizes, with a minute of silence, Legionnaires who have recently passed away. Howard said eight members have died since 2021.
“It’s an event that shows what our community is made of,” Howard said. “It’s about helping one another out as a community, taking pride in oneself and one’s country, and celebrating the community spirit.”
Howard said American Legion Post 44 was unable to hold the event the last two years because of Covid-19 restrictions. The hiatus made this year’s event even more meaningful, he said.
“They recognize and thank our first responders and volunteers that make Malverne such a great place to live,” Assemblyman Brian Curran said. “It’s what makes Malverne such a special place to live and a great community. They take the time to say ‘thank you.’”
Among those honored was ex-Chief David Weinstein, the first volunteer with 60 continuous years of service in the history of the Malverne Fire Department.
Howard said the post honors those from the fire, ambulance, and police departments — in addition to others, such as the Boy Scouts and neighbors who proudly display the American flag.
They are recognized for their patriotism and dedication to the community in addition to their volunteerism.
Part of Howard’s introduction at the event read: “True Americanism is an ideology that is continually nurtured within one’s soul through individual daily actions, thoughts and beliefs in what their responsibilities are to be, blessed to live in one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.”
Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, whose father and grandfather were past commanders of Legion Post 44, praised the Legionnaires for recognizing those who make a difference in the community.
“Lifelong Malverne residents like myself know well that our first responders are the ones who make Malverne the great place that it is to live,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “They deserve recognition for the very difficult job that they do. Additionally, our patriot citizens and youth keep the spirit of American pride alive and well in our community and I salute Ed Howard from the Legion for making sure that they are commended properly with an event such as this.”
The Legionnaires who have died since 2021 and were remembered during the event included Joseph Schutta, Phillip Guerrieri, Art Czarnominski, James Doyle, Joseph Sortino, George Jacobsen, Jim Crawford and Charles Esposito.
“It’s an honor to do it and we enjoy it every year,” Howard said.
