Rep. Gillen Joins Hempstead Village Police Patrol Ride-Along, Reiterates Support for Local Law Enforcement

HEMPSTEAD, NY - Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) met with Village of Hempstead Police Chief Richard Holland and joined Sergeant Adam Wade and Officer Amin on a patrol ride-along to see the Hempstead Police Department's work firsthand and discuss how the federal government can further support local police departments. During the ride-along, Rep. Gillen was briefed on the department's daily operations, community initiatives and public safety challenges facing the Village of Hempstead.

"Thank you to Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr., Police Chief Richard Holland, the brave officers and staff for their service to our community and their warm welcome," said Rep. Gillen. "It was great to learn more about the Village's policing operations and to discuss how my office can further support and secure funding for our local law enforcement."

"It is our pleasure to welcome Congresswoman Laura Gillen for a ride-along with the Hempstead Village Police Department," said Village of Hempstead Chief of Police Richard Holland. "Opportunities like this allow our elected officials to see firsthand the dedication, professionalism, and challenges our officers face every day while serving the community. We appreciate the Congresswoman taking the time to engage directly with our officers, observe our operations, and learn more about the public safety issues impacting the Village of Hempstead. Building strong partnerships between law enforcement and our elected officials is essential to ensuring we have the resources and support needed to keep our community safe."

This visit follows Rep. Gillen's meetings and ride-alongs with the Freeport and Lynbrook Police Departments and continues her efforts to meet directly with first responders across the 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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