Suffolk County Superior Officers Association

09/03/2026

Today, the Suffolk County Police Department remembers Lieutenant John McGarvey who died of 9/11 cancer on September 3, 2022.

Lietuenant McGarvey was a proud member of the SCPD having served 41 years. During his career, he was a first responder at TWA Flight 800 and the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. John served his country as a Lt. Col. in the US Army during the Vietnam War and continued in the reserves for 29 years.

Lt. McGarvey was survived by his wife and three children.

08/29/2026

SOA Secretary Sal Gigante and Sergeant at Arms Kevin Muller were on hand today helping out at the 5th Annual Back to School Backpack giveaway, sponsored, in part, by Rep. Andrew Garbarino and Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo.

08/28/2026

"THERE IS NO CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO THREATEN A POLICE OFFICER"
- Suffolk PBA President Lou Civello

We were proud to join Detectives' Endowment Association and public sector unions from across the state to demand a buffer zone to protect our public safety professionals.

Listen to Suffolk County PBA President Lou Civello's comments below.

5 likes. "Hundred Cops Pack City Hall Steps: "Protect Those on the Front Lines" Rally"

08/28/2026

“Mr. Fixit” is the perfect way to describe police officers, who on any given day are called on to wear many different hats.

🎙️ Watch Episode 80 to hear more about the article Jim Gruenfelder wrote and why the message still rings true today.

08/25/2026

In Episode 80, CJ and Tanner are joined by James Gruenfelder, President of the Suffolk County Police Superior Officers Association. James joined the Suffolk County Police Department in 1991 and steadily rose through the ranks, ultimately attaining the rank of Lieutenant. Early in his career, he recognized the importance of union involvement and advocating for his fellow officers, eventually becoming President of the SOA in 2020.

Beyond his leadership with the SOA, James serves as a board member of the Brotherhood for the Fallen and the Steuben Association. Tune in as we discuss his journey through the Suffolk County Police Department, his path to union leadership, and the experiences that have shaped his career and continued commitment to law enforcement.

08/25/2026

Great job!!

08/25/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Mendolia.

Please consider supporting the Mendolia Family: https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/support-the-family-of-officer-michael-mendolia-qyclyx

The Nassau County PBA regrets to announce the passing of active 8th Precinct Police Officer Michael Mendolia. Officer Mendolia began his career with the NYPD and joined the Nassau County Police Department in 2008 serving his entire Nassau career in the 8th Precinct. Please keep Officer Mendolia and his family in your prayers.

08/21/2026

Thank you!

Guilty.

Terrell Harris has been convicted of assaulting two police officers in Hampton Bays. Our office will continue to stand up for those who put their lives on the line to protect our community and hold accountable those who attack them.

More in the comments.

08/13/2026

Today, the Suffolk County Police Department remembers Detective Lieutenant Joseph Hawkins who died on August 13, 1972.

Detective Lieutenant Hawkins was attending the New York State Chiefs of Police Conference in Lockport, New York and while participating in a field demonstration at the conference on July 25, 1972, he suffered a stroke. He was taken to Mount Saint Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, New York and on August 13, 1972, while still in the hospital, Detective Lieutenant Hawkins died as a result of the stroke.

Detective Lieutenant Hawkins was survived by his wife and two children.

08/06/2026

Today, the Suffolk County Police Department remembers Sergeant Timothy Henck, who died on August 6, 1995 as result of a motor vehicle crash that occurred a week prior.

A police officer observed a subject fleeing the scene of a burglary at a Bohemia store on July 31, 1995 at approximately 12:45 a.m. The subject fled in a van and a pursuit ensued.

Sergeant Henck was supervising the pursuit as it headed westbound on the Long Island Expressway and attempted to stop the van. The subject used his vehicle to ram Sergeant Henck’s vehicle numerous times, sending it into an embankment on the LIE near exit 52.

Sergeant Henck was pinned in his patrol vehicle. When he was removed from the vehicle, officers performed CPR and he was then airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital. He died on August 6.

Sergeant Henck was survived by his wife and infant daughter.