Rep. Gillen Joins Garden City Police for a Patrol Ride-Along
GARDEN CITY, NY — Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) met with Village of Garden City Police Commissioner Gerard Kneisel, Mayor Ed Finneran and joined Officer Stephen Danisi on a patrol ride-along. Rep. Gillen got to see the Garden City Police Department’s work firsthand and discuss how she can further support local police departments. The officers briefed Rep. Gillen on the challenges facing the department and discussed ways the federal government and Congress can provide stronger support.
“It was valuable to see firsthand the critical work done by the Garden City Police Department and discuss how I can continue advocating for our police departments in Washington,” said Rep. Gillen. "I will continue doing all I can in Congress to support our law enforcement officers and the families they protect."
“It is important for our elected officials to have opportunities to experience firsthand the realities of policing. A ride-along provides valuable insight into the complex decisions our officers make every day, the challenges they face, and the unwavering commitment they demonstrate in protecting our community,” said Police Commissioner Gerard Kneisel, Garden City Police Department. “This firsthand perspective helps foster a greater understanding of the public safety issues confronting law enforcement and the resources necessary to continue providing the high level of service our residents expect.”
This visit follows Rep. Gillen’s meetings and ride-alongs with the Malverne, Hempstead, Freeport and Lynbrook Police Departments and continues her efforts to meet directly with first responders across New York’s Fourth Congressional District.
Since taking office, Rep. Gillen has been a strong advocate for law enforcement, bringing millions in new federal public safety funding to Nassau County. As a member of the bipartisan Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, Gillen introduced the Officer Wellness and Peer Support Act and has cosponsored the Protect and Serve Act, Invest to Protect Act and the HERO Act, which aims to improve the detection, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues among public safety officers.
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