Legislature Honors Sheriff for Disarming Mentally Ill Patient

Members of the honored deputy sheriff Daniel Rockwood as a CSEA hero during their meeting Monday morning at the executive building in Mineola.

The Nassau County Department of Mental Health routinely calls upon deputy sheriffs to pick up mentally ill patients who violate the terms of their outpatient treatment programs by not taking prescribed medications. During a routine pick-up in Baldwin on April 30, a patient became combative. According to a report, the individual was hurling paper cups at the responding officers until she opened a kitchen drawer and pulled out a kitchen knife with a large blade.

Immediately, Rockwood disarmed and subdued the patient.

"If not for such quick thinking and action," presiding officer Peter Schmitt, R-Massapequa, said, "the situation could have ended in a tragically different manner." The legislative body presented Rockwood with a certificate award for his actions.

The subject was reportedly transported to for psychiatric evaluation and treatment.

"I really appreciate the help of great people who I work with," Rockwood said, "and I'm glad we could all go home safely."