Five Towns Kiwanis Honor Two "Active" Officers

The Five Towns Kiwanis Club on Thursday honored two of the Fourth Precinct’s top officers at its annual Police Officer Appreciation Night held at the Lawrence Yacht and Country Club.

Officers Joe Paduano and Brian Coscino “are the two most active and productive officers in the precinct,” said Inspector Christopher Cleary, commanding officer of the Fourth Precinct.

He added that between the two officers, they have made over 500 arrests throughout their careers. The officers made 177 arrests for drug-related charges, with numerous DWIs and over 1,000 summonses, Cleary noted.  They have also made 17 arrests for assault, 12 for weapons charges and five burglary arrests.

“It is honor to receive this,” said Paduano, who has spent his entire 15-year career at the Fourth Precinct. “I appreciate it.”

Paduano said Cleary and Sergeant Leslie Moulds surprised both he and Coscino with the good news a few weeks ago.

“I’m very honored to be noticed by my peers, especially from the Kiwanis club,” said Coscino, who spent 13 of his 19 years on the force with the Fourth Precinct. “I’m happy that they acknowledged the hard work we do in the community.”

Both officers participate in the Operation Nightwatch program, which has them checking on ex-convicts at night to make sure they aren’t doing anything that would violate their paroles, Cleary said. 

Paduano and Coscino also participate in the Project 21 program, in which they investigate liquor stores, bars and stores that they suspect are selling alcohol or cigarettes to minors. 

Also in attendance was Deputy County Executive of Public Safety Victor Politi, who presented citations to Paduano, Coscino and Mould for their work in serving the community.

Tom Cohen of the Five Town Kiwanis Club said the group is thankful that these officers have “committed their careers to the community.”

“This evening is about you guys,” he said. “Thanks for taking care of our community.”