View Finder: Malverne Honors Its Protectors and Patriots

They keep the streets safe, run into burning buildings and revive residents in moments of distress.

Brave members of Malverne's police, fire and emergency medical services were honored on Feb. 23 in a special ceremony at the American Legion Post 44.

The 22nd annual Law and Order Night is Malverne's way of recognizing the great work of its uniformed men and women, volunteers and civic-minded residents as well.

Receiving awards that night were:

• Ryan Lawton from the 
• Billy Howe from the .
• Joe Lanzetta from the Neighborhood Watch.
• Kenneth Padilla from the
• Christopher Simmons from the Malverne Police Reserve.

Boy Scouts Harrison Baldus and Joseph Cerulli also were praised for being selected by the American Legion to participate in its New York Boys State Program.

The two high school students will participate in a highly-selective training program that will teach them about leadership skills, patriotism, government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Their daily activities will include drills with United States Marines, a demonstration by the New York State Police, talks with local and state counselors and members of various military branches, and participation in sports, arts and mock government. 

Malverne residents who proudly display American flags outside their homes also were recognized during the ceremony.

The American Legion also paid respect to those members of the military who are still missing in action by draping a POW-MIA flag on a seat left open for the night in their honor.

Click through the gallery to the right to see photos of the event and the award recipients.