New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, right, is joined...

New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, right, is joined by fellow council members as they honor NYPD Officer Lawrence DePrimo for giving boots to a man in need. (Dec. 10, 2012) Credit: Charles Eckert

The NYPD officer from Holbrook whose gift of boots to a man on the street became an Internet sensation said he isn't bothered that the man says he isn't wearing them.

All that matters to Officer Lawrence DePrimo is the fact that his deed seems to have encouraged other good acts.

The City Council honored the officer Monday with a proclamation after he bought Jeffrey Hillman a pair of new boots when he found the man shoeless and alone in Times Square last month.

"I really hope it inspires people to go out there and help," DePrimo, 25, said.

Hillman was still shoeless when he was spotted recently, but claims he keeps the boots hidden because he doesn't want to get robbed.

Still, DePrimo said that's OK, because he couldn't let Hillman stay there barefoot.

With Long Island home prices at or near record levels, some LIers are turning to modular homes as an alternative. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed and Newsday business reporter Jonathan LaMantia have the details. Credit: Newsday Studios; Newsday / Howard Schnapp; File Footage

'They really have it down to a science' With Long Island home prices at or near record levels, some LIers are turning to modular homes as an alternative. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed and Newsday business reporter Jonathan LaMantia have the details.

With Long Island home prices at or near record levels, some LIers are turning to modular homes as an alternative. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed and Newsday business reporter Jonathan LaMantia have the details. Credit: Newsday Studios; Newsday / Howard Schnapp; File Footage

'They really have it down to a science' With Long Island home prices at or near record levels, some LIers are turning to modular homes as an alternative. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed and Newsday business reporter Jonathan LaMantia have the details.

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