A Day In The Sun

By Ken Grimball

     The sun shown brilliantly over Lido Beach Town Park around Noon on Friday July 18th.  Despite the humid air and hot temperatures, as many as 600 young people with various disabilities appeared to be having an exciting "Day In The Sun."  The event was sponsored by The Nassau County Police Benevolent Association and the Town of Hempstead.    The sound of laughter filled the air along with the strong smell of smoke billowing barbecued Hamburgers and Hot Dogs.  Under white caps, with the letters PBA printed boldly in front, Nassau Law Enforcement agents grilled as if there was no tomorrow.  It was hard to tell at times which was brighter, the smiles on the children's faces or the Police Officers.   

     This is the 40th year this heart warming event has taken place in Nassau County.  It's the sixth year Nassau County's finest have been involved.  And involved they were! As many as One-hundred-officers sported their familiar navy-blue NCP shirts.

      Some of the music was produced by a local DJ, who really knew how to crank up loud deep beats.   Some of the dancers were so happy, that they seemed to be jumping into and floating on air, as they pointed and mused with each other while having a flat out unforgettable time.            

    It was wonderful to see people--some in wheel chairs, some using walkers, some leaning on crutches and some being lead by the hand--enjoying the fresh air from the nearby water.  They were having the time of their lives. 

     The entertainment was non-stop.  Under the noon day sun, people stood on line waiting to have a chance to throw that ball that just might be the one to dump a Police Officer into the chilly Dunk Tank.  Several yards away the sound of a Nassau County Police helicopter landed on a field with crowds of fun-seekers cheering and slapping high fives.  Nearby, mounted and Highway Patrol Officers stood by for everyone to see.   Massive Inflated Castles swayed in the breeze as smiling youngsters lined up to have their chance to jump next.

    During the year the Nassau Police contribute to a fund that pays for the tons of food, drinks and the many extras that it takes to makes a day like this possible. It was a great distraction from the hum drum normal tasks for both groups.   For the Police Officers and the participants it was "A Day in the Sun."

Comments

[Charles Collins]

'Hello Mr.Grimball I To Live In Amityville For Many Years.The Hunter Men work For The Post Services For Many Many Years.'I New Most Of The Brothers.'I Came To Amityville In (1951)From Phila'I Now Live In Columbia SC.'I Still Have a Brother & Two Sister There.'Thank For The Nice Story On The Hunter Family.'Charles Collins,