Senator Balboni Secures $25,000 for Homeland Security Training at C.W. Post

January 20, 2005 - New York State Senator Michael Balboni has secured $25,000 in New York State funding for homeland security training for public safety officers at the C.W. Post Campus of Long University.

Sen. Balboni announced the funding at a ceremony on January 13, 2005 at the campus located in Brookville. Also present were C.W. Post Campus officials Joseph Shenker, Provost; Theresa Mall Mullarkey, Chancellor; Sherri Coe-Perkins, Associate Provost for Student Affairs; Dianna Pennetti, Interim Director of the Department of Public Safety; and Dr. David Steinberg, President of Long Island University.

"Training is the unsung hero of preparedness, and it's crucial that important educational facilities like C.W. Post participate in these efforts," Sen. Balboni said. "These funds will go a long way toward applying classroom principles in the field."

The funding will be used for classroom materials and professional training in emergency response, said Pennetti. Officers and supervisors will conduct drills for natural disasters, serious accidents and other emergencies, she said.

"We will use this funding for hands-on training and practical applications," Pennetti said. "This work will enhance our ability to take action if and when a crisis occurs."

The C.W. Post Department of Public Safety has 22 officers, four field supervisors and two directors and provides round-the-clock security at the campus.

Senator Balboni represents the 7th Senate District in Nassau County, which encompasses the entire town of North Hempstead and includes the communities of Elmont, Floral Park, South Floral Park, Stewart Manor, Bellerose, Franklin Square, and part of Hicksville.

Senator Balboni presents a check to the C.W. Post Campus officials for $25,000 in security training. Front row from left: Paul Rapess, Acting Associate Director of Public Safety; Terri Felske, Public Safety Officer; Tom Plactere, Public Safety Officer; Dr. Sherri Coe-Perkins, Associate Provost for Student Affairs; Dr. Joseph Shenker, Provost; Senator Michael Balboni; Theresa Mullarkey, Chancellor; Dr. David Steinberg, President of Long Island University; Richard Cama, Public Safety Officer; Ralph Zeolla, Public Safety Officer. Back row from left to right: Jim Contarino, Public Safety Sergeant; Dianna Pennetti, Interim Director of Public Safety; Richard Gorman, Long Island University Vice President for University Relations.