“Hometown Heroes!” Suozzi Honors 12 Local Police Officers Who Have Displayed Exemplary Heroism

Recognizes, honors, and thanks police officers from Nassau County Police Department, New York City Police Department, and Glen Cove Police Department;

Since first elected to public office, Suozzi has vigorously worked to support and honor local police departments and our men and women in blue.

Glen Cove, NY- On Friday, outside the Glen Cove Police Department, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D - Long Island, Queens) hosted his 5th annual "Hometown Heroes" event, where he honored and thanked 12 law enforcement officers from across New York's 3rd Congressional District who displayed exemplary heroism in the line of duty in service to our communities. During the ceremony, Suozzi shared how the exceptional work of each officer saved the lives of New Yorkers.

"Every day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, members of our local police departments are protecting us and serving us. Police have some of the hardest jobs in the country. These are tough times for them. We must support them and understand they are protecting our communities. We cannot allow the 'defund the police' or any anti-police rhetoric to discourage them," said Suozzi.

"Today, we are highlighting just a few police officers who represent the good work done by members of our local police departments every day, and we say, 'thank you.'"

The officers Suozzi honored were from the Nassau County Police Department, three precincts in the New York City Police Department (105th, 109th, and 111th), and the Glen Cove Police Department. Suozzi presented each officer with a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol, as well as a Congressional citation.

The following officers were honored by Suozzi at Friday's ceremony:

Police Officer Jasvinder Mullarkey

Sixth Precinct

Nassau County Police Department

On June 23, 2025, the Sixth Precinct received a report of a road rage incident that escalated to menacing with a firearm. The responding officer interviewed the victim, who described the suspect as wearing mail carrier shorts and provided details about both the individual and the vehicle. Utilizing her knowledge of the area, Police Officer Mullarkey went to the local USPS Service Center.

She proceeded to the top level of the parking garage, where she spotted a person matching the suspect's description. Officer Mullarkey stopped him at gunpoint and awaited the arrival of additional officers. The victim was able to positively identify the perpetrator, who was subsequently placed under arrest. Officer Mullarkey's quick thinking and familiarity with the area led to the swift apprehension of the suspect.

Police Officers Kyle Lesser and Nicholas Couvaris

105^th Precinct

New York City Police Department

On September 3, 2025, Police Officers Lesser and Couvaris responded to a report of a burglary in progress. While they were on their way to the scene, they received another notification about a suspicious person in the area. The report indicated that two males wearing masks had walked to the rear of a house located on 252nd Street, and the caller mentioned hearing glass breaking.

Upon arriving at the location, the officers spotted two males matching the description from the earlier 911 call fleeing on foot through the backyards. After a brief foot chase, Officer Lesser managed to tackle one of the suspects and grappled with him until additional officers arrived to assist with the arrest. Meanwhile, Officer Couvaris used his taser to apprehend the second suspect.

As a result of these arrests, two burglary patterns were successfully closed.

Police Officer John Shapiro

109^th Precinct

New York City Police Department

Police Officer John Shapiro, a former member of the US Navy, has served New York City with distinction for 15 years. Today, he is being honored for his leadership in law enforcement and his dedication to the community. Officer Shapiro's diligent work this year has resulted in two significant arrests in the 109th Precinct.

In April, Officer Shapiro responded to a road rage incident involving a firearm at the intersection of Booth Memorial Avenue and 164th Street. The victim of the incident called the police and followed the suspect's vehicle. Officer Shapiro maintained communication with the victim, guiding the patrol response, which successfully located and stopped both parties on Francis Lewis Boulevard. Following a thorough investigation and the execution of a search warrant, Officer Shapiro arrested the suspect and recovered a loaded firearm, along with additional magazines, rounds, and a bulletproof vest.

In July, Officer Shapiro and his partner responded to a live burglary at a residence, where two perpetrators were disguised as Amazon delivery employees. This type of crime has become a recurring issue in the 109th Precinct. After conducting an extensive investigation, including canvassing for evidence and potential witnesses, Officer Shapiro arrested one of the burglary suspects. This individual had seven prior arrests for burglary and was currently on parole for another burglary offense.

Officer Shapiro's proactive measures contribute significantly to making the community a safer place to live, work, and raise a family.

Police Officers John Wright, Irving Rawlins, Marc Loyola and Christian Martinez

111^th Precinct

New York City Police Department

On February 18, 2025, Officers Wright, Rawlins, Loyola, and Martinez displayed extraordinary bravery and courage when an armed and emotionally disturbed man approached the 111th Precinct. Officer Wright encountered the armed suspect outside the station house. He calmly radioed for backup and issued verbal commands to the suspect to drop the weapon. While taking protective cover, Officer Wright effectively communicated commands to prevent the suspect from entering the precinct.

Officers Rawlins, Loyola, and Martinez heard the radio call for backup and immediately responded to the scene. Thanks to the decisive actions of these four officers, the threat was neutralized, and multiple lives were saved.

Officer Wright and Officer Rawlins have served as NYPD officers for nine years, Officer Martinez for eight years, and Officer Loyola for twelve years.

Police Officers Anthony Pedraita, Frank Vessa, Christopher Morra, Alexandra Levantis, Carolina Guastella and Andrew Mozer

Glen Cove Police Department

On April 17, 2025, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Police Officer Pedraita was on routine patrol when he noticed heavy smoke coming from a two-story apartment building on Glen Cove Avenue. He contacted headquarters and requested backup, including assistance from the Fire Department. Officer Pedraita observed that people were trapped inside the building, which was actively on fire with flames spreading rapidly.

Officers Vezza and Levantis arrived at the scene, used a Halligan tool to break through the glass front door, and crawled through the smoke-filled hallway to evacuate the residents. Officer Levantis utilized a fire extinguisher to suppress the flames in the hallway, which allowed more people to escape safely. Meanwhile, Officers Pedraita and Morra went to the rear of the building, broke down a rear door, and rescued additional residents.

Officer Guastella transported Officers Vezza and Pedraita to the hospital, where they were diagnosed with smoke inhalation. Officer Mozer was also on the scene and assisted with several rescues. Thanks to the heroic efforts of these officers, fifteen residents were evacuated with only one minor injury reported.

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