Nassau police foundation donates equipment to auxiliary police

The Nassau Police Department Foundation on Monday announced the donation of $65,000 worth of equipment to the county's auxiliary police and advanced medical technicians.

The 600 high-visibility raincoats, hat covers and safety vests were the first-ever gift of brand-new equipment to the auxiliary police, which is comprised of volunteers who patrol neighborhoods in their spare time, the police department said.

"It was critical that we obtained these new OSHA-regulated items," said Nassau Police Commissioner Thomas Dale. "Due to budgetary constraints, we needed the support of the foundation to ensure that we would be able to provide our members with this important equipment."

The Nassau County Police Department Foundation began a fundraising campaign in July 2012 and by December had raised the $65,000 needed to purchase the equipment.

The foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides financial support to the police department.