Mayor honored by city police department
Glen Cove Mayor Pamela D. Panzenbeck was honored as the Person of the Year by the Glen Cove Police Department and the Police Benevolent Association during a special event held on Aug. 23, just before the Downtown Sounds concert series began.
This recognition came in lieu of the traditional National Night Out event, which had been scheduled for Aug. 6 but was canceled due to rain, marking the first time in 17 years that the event did not take place. Glen Cove Police Chief William Whitten, Deputy Chief Chris Ortiz, and Sergeant Roberto Telesis, who acknowledged Panzenbeck’s leadership and contributions to the community, presented the award.
National Night Out is a nationwide community-building campaign that promotes police and community partnerships. Although the event was canceled this year, its significance remains, rooted in a history that dates back to the 1970s. Matt Peskin, who worked with the Lower Merion Community Watch program in the Philadelphia suburbs, created national Night Out. The initiative has grown from its early days to become a major annual event across the United States, promoting neighborhood camaraderie and safer communities.
“She’s had her foot on the gas pedal and hasn’t taken it off,” Whitton said about Panzenbeck. “She’s truly selfless. Pamela has truly made an impact on our lives, and we thank her for inspiring us all.”
In her acceptance speech, Panzenbeck expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing her strong connection to the residents of Glen Cove.
“I back the blue,” Panzenbeck said. “Your commitment to our safety and well-being goes beyond all expectations. I am the mayor with the greatest Police Department.”
The presence of Panzenbeck’s children and several of her grandchildren, who were there to share in the proud moment and celebrate her 71st birthday, made the evening even more special for her.
Panzenbeck, a retired business and computer education teacher, is a lifelong resident of Glen Cove and a graduate of Glen Cove High School. Her passion for improving her hometown have been evident not only during her time in office but also throughout her years as a volunteer before she became involved in city government.
Panzenbeck has deep roots in the community. Several of her relatives served as role models for her civic dedication; her great-grandfather and great-uncle were both commissioners of the Department of Public Works, and her aunt was instrumental in starting the girls’ softball league in the area. She has said this legacy of service continues to inspire her work as mayor.
During the event, Panzenbeck credited the Glen Cove Police Department as a significant factor in the city’s ranking by Money.com as one of the top places to live in the nation in 2023. According to Crimegrade.org, Glen Cove boasts a low crime rate, making it safer than 98 percent of U.S. cities across the nation.
