Today we said goodbye to our friend and partner, Active Duty Correction Officer Eddie Firth who was taken from us suddenly this past week. An exemplary show of support was provided for Ed’s family by the men and women of the Nassau County Sheriffs Dept Division of Correction. From the obvious trained precision and professionalism of the Sheriffs Dept Honor Guard to the hundreds of Officers who lined the streets at Our Lady of Hope in Carle Place and during the drive by review at the Correctional Center. From Officers LeBron and Tolmie's moving readings at the Church for Eddie, their Honor Guard partner, to Retired Officers who came to show their respects, including Retired Lt. Cantwell who immediately drove all the way up from Florida once he heard the sad news of Eddie's passing.

Special thanks to the Carle Place, Franklin Square, Levittown, Uniondale, Westbury and West Hempstead Fire Depts who provided towering flag arches at the Funeral

Home, Church and Cemetery.

Thank you also to the Nassau County Police Dept's Motorcycle Unit and the Nassau Deputy Sheriffs for providing the escort detail.

Ed’s family asked me to express their heartfelt Thanks and Gratitude for the showing of respect today. Especially with today's Service falling on the Memorial Day Weekend.

The dangerous essential Public Safety job of a Correction Officer is unseen by the public and often overlooked, disrespected and misunderstood. In todays society, this is even more true. Today was a fitting final tribute to a good, hard working family man and friend who served and sacrificed for the citizens of Nassau County for over 22 years.

Rest in Peace Eddie Firth. You served with distinction. You’re Watch has ended.

Forever in Unity;

Brian Sullivan COBA President