Cop of the Month: Daniel Heffernan

Rockville Centre Police Officer Daniel Heffernan was named “Cop of the Month” by the Rockville Centre Police Department for his May pursuit and arrest of a knife-wielding man who accosted an ex-girlfriend even though she had an order of protection against him.

Heffernan responded at about 8:40 a.m. on May 1 to a call about an assault near on Sunrise Highway. The victim reported that her ex-boyfriend had forcibly removed her from her car, took her to another location and forcibly removed a police-supplied alarm to prevent her from notifying cops of the incident.

Heffernan, using information from the victim and his knowledge of his patrol post, located the assailant who had fled on foot toward a bus stop. The subject was placed under arrest 12 minutes after the victim notified police.

Subsequent investigation revealed that the subject was wanted by the Nassau County Police for a criminal sexual act against the same victim.

The subject was charged with robbery, a criminal sexual act, assault, possession of a dangerous weapon, unlawful imprisonment and criminal mischief.

Police Commissioner Chuck Gennario commended Heffernan for his “diligence, dedication to duty and highly professional conduct” in naming him Cop of the Month.