Board approves giving protection to North Hempstead bay constables

Mallory Nathan, 47, Senior Bay Constable for the Town of North Hempstead, patrols Manhasset Bay in an aluminum hulled patrol boat. (AUg. 18, 2010) Credit: Charles Eckert
Bay Constable Mallory Nathan never knows what to expect when patrolling the Town of North Hempstead's 32 miles of waterfront.
Nathan, along with another full-time constable and five part-time constables now don't have to face water issues unarmed. The town board earlier this month approved allowing bay constables to carry weapons - not guns, but batons and law-enforcement grade pepper spray.
"It gives us at least something to protect ourselves with," he said Wednesday while patrolling Manhasset Bay.

Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 17: Olympics a possibility for Long Beach wrestler? On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks with Long Beach wrestler Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez about pursuing a third state title and possibly competing in the Olympics in 2028, plus Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.

Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 17: Olympics a possibility for Long Beach wrestler? On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks with Long Beach wrestler Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez about pursuing a third state title and possibly competing in the Olympics in 2028, plus Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.