Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta Congratulates Suffolk Police Officer Dana Deshler on Receiving the Smithtown Rotary’s
Peter J. Biegen “Service Above Self” Award
(Smithtown, NY)…At the June Smithtown Rotary Club meeting, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta congratulated Fourth Police Precinct Police Officer Dana Deshler on being this year’s recipient of the Rotary’s “Service Above Self” Award named in memory of Detective Peter J. Biegen. This award was established in 1969 to honor and acknowledge a police officer from the Fourth Precinct who best exemplifies the Rotary’s credo of, “Service Above Self.” It was named for Detective Biegen because of his service and the positive impact he had on people and the Smithtown community.
Officer Deshler initiated the annual Prom Impact Event in 2018. She solicits donations of prom dresses, tuxedos, suits, shoes and accessories from local businesses and the public. Held at the Police Academy, officers greet the students and help them select an outfit to wear to the prom. Since the program started, more than 400 students have received clothes to wear to their prom.
As a retired Suffolk County Detective, “I know firsthand of the hard work and commitment that is involved in being a police officer and I commend Officer Deshler and all of the members of the Suffolk County Police Department for their service and dedication to the department and to the residents of Suffolk County.” “It is important to note that a police officer’s job is not just about catching the bad guy and putting on handcuffs, but also having a positive impact on community relations, like Officer Deshler’s Prom Impact Program,” added Trotta.