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Village police officers recognized for quick-thinking and good judgment with suicidal subject

People

Fri, Mar 10 2023

Earlier this month, four Northport Village police officers received departmental recognition for their efforts leading to the transportation of a suicidal subject for psychiatric evaluation.

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Four Northport Village police officers received departmental recognition for their efforts leading to the transportation of a suicidal subject for psychiatric evaluation last month. Northport Police Chief Chris Hughes explained the situation for which the officers were awarded at this week’s Village board of trustees meeting, crediting the quick-thinking and well-trained efforts of Officer Sean Sagistano, Lieutenant Thomas Endee, Officer Michael Gigante and Officer Patrick O’Brien.

On February 17, the Suffolk County Police Department broadcasted for all units to be on the lookout for a suicidal subject armed with a knife, and threatening to stab himself. Officer Sagistano observed a vehicle he believed the subject was operating and attempted to stop it at the intersection of Reservoir Avenue and Fort Salonga Road, according to Chief Hughes’ report.

While approaching the vehicle, the subject recklessly fled from the traffic stop and continued to his residence, running to the backyard while carrying a knife. He then took shelter inside a shed.

Sagistano and the assisting officers were able to make contact with the subject who was determined to be actively cutting himself. He initially refused orders to drop the weapon and then, according to reports, began yelling at the officers, saying, “Shoot me!”

Utilizing their training, good judgment and considerable restraint, Chief Hughes explained, the officers were successful in getting the subject to drop his knife and surrender without further incident. The subject, Hughes said, was clearly in crisis and transported to Stony

Brook University Hospital’s Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) unit for psychiatric observation.

The officers were presented with an Excellent Police Duty Award earlier this month.

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