The following is from the LI Herald:

Serving as the “eyes and ears” for the Nassau county police, the Five Towns Auxiliary Police Unit 109, under the command of Capt. Danny Gluck, volunteer their time to patrol the area daily, protect life and property, preserve public peace and deter crime.

Riding along with Gluck, a 12-year veteran, for two hours on Monday afternoon, there is the routine patrol of Central Avenue from Hewlett to Lawrence and tending to the constant offense of double parking.

However, as the fastest growing unit in Nassau County, the Auxiliary officers of Unit 109 are an eclectic bunch, ranging in age from 20 to 65, that includes a physician, an attorney, an accountant and a business owner among its volunteers.

For every 300, 500 and 1,000 hours served, Auxiliary officers receive a bar on their uniform and are recognized at the annual Nassau County Auxiliary Police Longevity and Service Awards Ceremony. “We have a handful of officers who have put in over 1,000 hours of service for the year,” Gluck said.

Nassau County Auxiliary police officers must be at least 18 years old, be a Nassau County resident, U.S. citizen, have no felony convictions, a valid New York State driver’s license, high school diploma or GED and be able to pass a physical examination, background investigation, drug test and complete a 24-week training course at the Nassau County Police Academy in Massapequa.

In April, Gluck, a Woodmere resident and HAFTR graduate, was promoted from lieutenant to captain. Besides the regular Auxiliary daily patrols, attendance at village meetings and special events in the area to control traffic and crowds, Gluck is in charge of recruiting new officers and meets with Sgt. Leslie Moulds and Inspector Christopher Cleary at the Fourth Precinct on Broadway in Hewlett to discuss assignments.

“I wanted a career in law enforcement but by the time I realized that, I was past the cut-off age,” Gluck said. “So this was the next best thing.”

Founded in 1996, Unit 109 helps Nassau County police officers do their job and respond to residents, Cleary said. “They give us not only an extra hands, eyes and ears in an emergency but they help us with our link to the community,” he said. “They’re another source of communication for people who might never have gotten in touch with us because their concerns didn’t meet the 911 criteria, such as quality of life issues.”

The Villages of Lawrence and Cedarhurst donate money each year to the Five Towns Auxiliary Police for their service. Cedarhurst Mayor Andrew Parise said last year the village and the Cedarhurst Business Improvement District gave $12,000. “They provide a good service and they’re available anytime we call them,” he said. “They’re well worth it for what we pay.”

Such donations are put towards uniforms, equipment and vehicle maintenance of the unit’s nine vehicles, Gluck said.

Village of Lawrence Administrator David Smollett said the auxiliary police enhance the health, safety and welfare of the community. “Danny and his group have been a tremendous asset to the village and our residents,” he said.

Gluck’s most memorable experiences include receiving two Excellent Service Awards for pulling a woman from a car before it caught fire and being in the midst of a shooting in Inwood in which he was able to radio in the situation, resulting in Nassau County police officers making two arrests. “Our radios are the same as police officer’s and allow us to call in emergency situations,” Gluck said. “The radio is key.”

For more information about joining the Five Towns Auxiliary Police, call (516) 522-5395.

(Source: LI Herald)