Two officers of the Nassau County Police Department’s Third Precinct were honored Monday during the department’s “Cop of the Year” awards for acts of heroism in response to a house fire in Albertson in April.
Officers Jimmy Duignan and Scott Theil received a standing ovation as they were presented with the department’s “life-saving award” prior to the start of the Nassau County Legislature’s hearing.
James Carver, president of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, said Duignan and Theil rushed into a burning Albertson residence and pulled out two occupants in April.
One of the individuals eventually made a full recovery from the incident, Carver said.
“Had it not been for their heroic actions, both occupants certainly would have perished,” he said.
Duignan and Theil were not made available for comment.
Carver said the awards were given to publicize some of the positive work police officers do for members within the community in response to recent “alleged bad behavior” by police reported in the media.
“One of the best jobs in the world is committing yourself to a career as a police officer, raising your right hand and protecting the people,” Carver said. “…And I don’t believe anybody does the job better than the men and women of the Nassau County Police Department.”
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