Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Thomas Hand and Police Benevolent Association President James McDermott joined today to recognize the Good Samaritan Act of Police Officer Joseph Dercole of the 7th Precinct for going above and beyond the call of duty to help a Massapequa resident.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “Officer Dercole is a dedicated public servant, who, throughout his tenure in law enforcement, has exemplified the highest ideals of public service and dedication to the job. It’s my honor to recognize Officer Dercole for an entirely different reason, for going above and beyond the call of duty to help Massapequa resident Carol Gordon in her time of need. I’m proud to help highlight today Officer Dercole’s actions, and remind everyone that that a good deed such as this can help brighten a person’s day under unfortunate circumstances.”
On March 3, 2018 during a powerful nor’easter, Clocks Blvd in Massapequa was besieged by extensive flooding. Homeowner Carol Gordon woke up the morning after the storm to find two deep tire tracks in her lawn. After Ms. Gordon called the police regarding the damage to her lawn, Officer Dercole took a report but, sensing that Ms. Gordon was upset at the outcome, out of the goodness of his heart, returned two days later on his personal time to deliver three bags of topsoil, a bag of grass seed and a large house plant with a note stating he would be available to help spread out the soil and seed. Ms. Gordon was touched by this “random act of kindness” as she called it and contacted the Police Department to find out how she could get Officer Dercole recognition for his good deed.
“The safety and well-being of our residents are in the hands of brave men and women in law enforcement, who over their years of service, earn the respect of colleagues and the community with steadfast dedication, professionalism and attention to detail,” Councilman Hand said. “On top of that, Officer Dercole’s actions help prove that the good deeds of others are the foundation of a healthy community and serve as an important role model for others who will one day follow suit. I salute Officer Dercole for his actions and extraordinary community service.”