Harbor Students, Nassau Police Exchange Holiday Cheer
The energy was high, frisbees were flying and holiday spirit was aplenty as students at Seaford Harbor Elementary School enjoyed an assembly from the Nassau County Police Department on Dec. 16. The event was a result of the school’s high participation in the recent Beyond the Badge NY Cards for Cops campaign.
Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder had students from grades 2-5 clapping and cheering as he introduced police officers from several units including 7th Precinct POP, canine, motorcycle, mounted and SWAT. The officers had giveaways for children including rubber balls and frisbees with anti-drug messages. Commissioner Ryder also led children in a holiday singalong. Outside, students from all grades were invited to learn more about the various units of the NCPD and see horses, motorcycles and police vehicles up-close.
Beyond the Badge, a Massapequa Park-based organization, started the Cards for Cops campaign in 2019. This year, it collected about 11,000 holidays cards to give to local police officers, including 412 from Seaford Harbor students. The school won the police assembly because of its high participation. Joined by Commissioner Ryder, several students read aloud their cards, which included message of appreciation for local law enforcement.
Principal Jennifer Bisulca noted that Harbor’s theme this year is “It Takes a Viking Village,” and police officers are an important part of the Seaford community.
“We really show our Harbor Pride in how we honor our community helpers,” Ms. Bisulca said. “The students put a lot of effort into creating these thoughtful cards to brighten the days of our police officers.”












