The volunteer members of the Garden City Special Police have provided dedicated service to fellow residents for 55 years. Long before the events of September 11, 2001, the sworn officers of the Special Police stood ready as emergency first responders to serve in whatever capacity the Garden City police commissioner deemed necessary.

The organization came into being in November of 1952. Then-Police Chief Vanderwater, the village mayor and several Board of Trustee members requested a more affirmative attachment to the police department than the existing auxiliary services. Under new jurisdiction, the village continued training and supplying equipment while members of this "special" unit performed certain police functions with limited authority as the Garden City Police Reserve.

Now after nearly a decade with authority and obligations as defined by New York State law, the sworn officers of this elite volunteer unit became the "Garden City Special Police."

The Special Police supplements the Garden City Police Department in the areas of patrol duty and traffic and pedestrian control at weekly religious services and community events. The Special Police also volunteer their assistance in emergency situations.

During the recent board meeting, Trustee Don Brudie swore in Captain David Carpentier, Lieutenant Stephan Browand, Sergeant Teresita Vafeas and Special Police Officers Robert R. Anderson and John Koch.

On behalf of the Village of Garden City and Garden City Police Department and Commissioner Ernest Cipullo, the Special Police received an appreciative plaque commemorating the organization's 55th anniversary.

"These officers represent the very best in the spirit of volunteerism that has made Garden City one of the best suburban communities in our nation. The Special Police assist our paid police at major events like the Memorial Day Parade and the Belmont Festival as well as other events and emergencies and allow these events to run smoothly with minimal cost to our taxpayers. We congratulate them on a job well done," Trustee Brudie told Garden City Life.

The Special Police are always looking for volunteers. Contact Capt. Dave Carpentier or Lt. Steve Browand at Special Police Headquarters [742-9603]. Both men and women residents of at least 21 years of age are welcome to volunteer.