Nassau officers to be honored Thursday

Former Officer Charles D. Cole Jr. will be among the deceased department members honored in a memorial service Thursday by Nassau County police.

The department will celebrate Police Week with a ceremony for all deceased members beginning at 11 a.m. in front of police headquarters at 1490 Franklin Ave. in Mineola, according to a news release.

Cole, of Wantagh, an emergency services officer and 24-year department member, died of a rare form of brain cancer in August 2011 at the age of 49. Cole had worked at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and his death recently has been designated as in the line of duty by New York State, the release said. During his career, Cole had worked at the Seaford-based Seventh Precinct, in the highway patrol and in emergency services.

Cole's name will be added to the honor roll in the department's memorial garden, and floral tributes will be placed at the memorial, police said.

The police Pipe Band and Color Guard will participate in the memorial ceremony.