Nassau celebrates promotions of 64 'exceptionally good' cops
Nassau County police officers stand at attention in the auditorium of Bethpage High School during the Nassau County Police Promotion and Designation Ceremony in Bethpage on June 30, 2014. Credit: Newsday / Thomas A. Ferrara
Sixty-four Nassau County law enforcement officers were honored at a ceremony Monday night for their recent promotions.
Lt. John Barrett was surrounded by his family after the event at Bethpage High School, where he and his colleagues were celebrated for their recent achievements.
"I'm proud of him," said Barrett's son, Sean, 13. "He's worked so hard."
Barrett has worked for the department for 19 years and was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant.
His daughter, Casey, 18, shared her brother's sentiments, but said it can also be scary to have a father who's a police officer.
"He risks his life to keep others safe," she said.
Before the event started, Mary Comiskey, 60, stood in the hallway holding a balloon that read, "You are amazing."
She was there to celebrate the promotion of her daughter, Tara, to lieutenant.
"I'm just so proud of her, not only her accomplishments, but her as a person."
Dozens of friends and family filled the high school's auditorium for the annual event.
Acting Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter told the honorees that they had "all proven to be exceptionally good" at the work they do.
"I have had the opportunity to work with many of you throughout the years, and I have seen firsthand your dedication to the people of Nassau County and to the department," Krumpter said.
Krumpter also thanked the family members in the crowd.
"Without your support, without your encouragement and understanding, most of the people here today would not have been promoted, so thank you," he said.
Daniel Flanagan, 51, was promoted to inspector and said he couldn't have accomplished that without the backing of his family, especially his wife, Catherine, he said.
"Without her support, I couldn't get it done," said Flanagan, who has worked for the department for 24 years.
Kevin Smith, 58, was promoted to chief of detectives, after working in the department for three decades.
"We have had our tough times lately," Smith said. "I'm a very optimistic person . . . I think it's important the public knows we are dedicated in rebuilding this police department and having their faith rebuilt."
