Freeport, Long Island, 55-year-old officer bids final goodbye after 30 years of service
Freeport, Nassau County (WABC) — The Long Island police officer who trained and mentored hundreds of recruits said goodbye to his department after serving 30 years.
Daniel Dean wanted to quietly walk out the back door on this final day.
“This is so overwhelming,” Dean said. “Thank you everyone. I love you so much.”
The 55-year-old was born in Freeport, grew up there, and has spent the next 30 years defending his community.
“One of the best officers to patrol the village of Freeport,” said deputy commissioner Karl Hetzel.
After Tuesday night, Dean is a proud retired officer who has served Freeport well.
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For most of his career he worked the night shift. He’s won accolades and volunteered generously, but what he’s most proud of is the leadership he teaches hundreds of new officers what a textbook can’t do.
“It’s an instinct that’s not taught in the police academy,” Dean said.
“What he taught me was to always get home safely and to point out things I wasn’t usually looking for.
Cook says he learned a lot from Dean. Cook believes a 30-year veteran made him a better officer.
Cop Matt Seridge says Dean would teach him how to handle normal phone calls, but he also taught him “what ifs.”
“My hope is that I have left as much love and knowledge in this place as I have,” said Dean.
Dean’s days in the department are over, but his legacy lives on through the next generation of young officers he helped mentor.
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https://abc7ny.com/freeport-long-island-police-officer-retirement/12954710/ Freeport, Long Island, 55-year-old officer bids final goodbye after 30 years of service