Photos/Story by Mark Getman- Rockville Centre, NY, Post 303

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. – American Legion Post 303 held its annual Law & Order Night on Oct. 10, continuing a tradition begun in 2012 of recognizing outstanding service from local police and fire department personnel who protect the community daily.
The program evolved in 2014 when the post began presenting custom engraved firearms to police department honorees. Since then, firearms manufacturers have donated weapons to support the program's success: Windham Weaponry three times, Bond Arms three times, Glock twice, and Colt Manufacturing, Atlantic Tactical, Dark Storm Industries, Smith & Wesson and American Tactical once each.
"It is one of our post's pinnacle events of the year, and one we all look forward to," said Paul Casazza, post vice commander and Law & Order chairman. "As members of The American Legion, we have all served our great nation during war and peace. Our post takes great pleasure in honoring our law enforcement and emergency personnel for their continued dedication and service to the Rockville Centre community."
This year's ceremony honored Inspector Chris Romance of the Rockville Centre Police Department, who received a custom engraved shotgun donated by American Tactical, and U.S. Army veteran and Honorary Chief Robert Winum of the Rockville Centre Fire Department.
Winum joined the fire department in December 1962 but was drafted during the Vietnam era. He served as an Army medic from June 1963 to June 1965, completing basic training at Fort Sam Houston in Texas and serving at Fort Irwin, Calif., and Fort Gordon, Ga. He received the Army Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Medal. Upon his honorable discharge, Winum immediately resumed service with the fire department and joined Post 303 in the 1990s. He received an engraved axe plaque and Legion medal.
Post Commander Joseph Scarola emphasized that "those who we recognize, and honor tonight are serving us and protecting our community on a daily basis."
Casazza explained the program's significance: "Law & Order is not new to The American Legion. It is one of our programs that highlights our promotion of Americanism and support of our Constitution, especially the Second Amendment."
Nassau County American Legion leadership attended the event in support, including County Commander Dawn Samuels, Adjutant Arthur Pirozzi, Vice Commander David Vanderwerf and Law & Order Chairman Kevin Tirman.