Police Officers of the Month - December 2009

On Sunday Oct, 4 2009 PO Derek Warner and PO Daniel Weiler of the Hempstead Police Dept were assigned to Chief Wing’s highly successful Terrace Ave/Bedell St Initiative from 1300-2100 hrs. This program is largely aimed at cleaning up illegal drug activity at what might be the most infamous intersection in Nassau County.

At approximately 1530 hrs while conducting surveillance they observed an emotionally disturbed person climbing a telephone pole at the corner of Terrace and Bedell. The EDP, who was high on angel dust, then fell from the pole to the ground. The police officers immediately called for an ambulance and further assistance. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, the drug impaired EDP got a sudden burst of adrenaline and took off down Terrace Ave and ran into number 139.

PO’s Warner and Weiler pursued the disturbed subject and they were now assisted by Sgt Edward Hayman and Det Thomas Durnan. The subject was followed to the roof of the building where he began to climb a fence in an attempt to jump off of the building. The officers were able to pull the EDP off the fence and to safety despite him struggling. The subject continued to violently resist the officers whose goal was to subdue him for his safety and transport him for medical assistance.

The EDP’s actions escalated placing all parties in danger and eventually led to his having to be Tased twice by Sgt Hayman. He was subsequently subdued and transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. As police officers we all know how dangerous scenarios such as these can get. When dealing with EDP’s situations are ever changing and can escalate quickly without any warning. This fact has recently been highlighted with the unfortunate incident where NYPD ESU officers attempted to subdue and Tase an EDP in Brooklyn.

These officers recognized tonight conducted themselves in a brave, yet compassionate manor, remaining calm in a ever escalating situation aa they relied on their police knowledge and training to subdue the EDP. Thereby, the officers were able to protect the public from such a person and protect the EDP from himself. As a result of such actions the Long Island Shields is proud to present the Police Officer of the Month award to Sgt Edward Hayman, Det Thomas Durnan, PO Derek Warner and PO Daniel Weiler.