Seaford Harbor Elementary packed the school’s gymnasium to present cards and participate in an assembly, featuring officers from the 7th precinct of the Nassau County Police Department.
“We're truly honored to welcome the Nassau County police department to our building for the beyond the badge assembly,” Harbor Elementary Principal Jennifer Bisulca said to open up the assembly. “Having you here means a great deal to our school community.”
The event was a result of the school’s high participation in the recent Beyond the Badge NY Cards for Cops campaign. Beyond the Badge, a Massapequa Park-based organization, started the Cards for Cops campaign in 2019. This year, it collected about 11,000 holiday cards to give to local police officers, including 412 from Seaford Harbor students, which is how the school earned a festive visit from the NCPD.
County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder had students from grades 2-5 clapping and cheering as he introduced police officers from several units including 7th Precinct POP, canine, motorcycle, mounted and SWAT. The officers had giveaways for children including rubber balls and frisbees with anti-drug messages.
Joined by Ryder, several students read aloud their cards, which were messages of appreciation for local law enforcement. “Thank you for keeping us safe,” one student read, “Thank you for your dedication, hope you have an amazing holiday,” another Harbor Elementary school student read to the officers.
Students from all grades were invited outside following the presentation to learn more about the various units of the NCPD and see horses, motorcycles and police vehicles up-close.
Principal Jennifer Bisulca noted that Harbor’s theme this year is “It Takes a Viking Village,” and police officers are an important part of the Seaford community. “We really show our Harbor Pride in how we honor our community helpers,” Bisulca said. “The students put a lot of effort into creating these thoughtful cards to brighten the days of our police officers.”
