Belesi To Be Honored by Farmingdale Village

Farmingdale's Board of Trustees has declared Dec. 2 as “Joe Belesi Day," in honor of the long-time Nassau County Legislator.

“This prestigious award is a celebration and tribute to Joe’s untiring efforts and contributions to the Village of Farmingdale," said Mayor Ralph Ekstrand. “The Marine Corp Code - 'Semper Fidelis; Semper Fi; Always Faithful' applies to Joe; he has always been faithful to Farmingdale.”

Belesi has been a Farmingdale resident for 41 years and is a decorated veteran, having served in the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict. He was awarded the Purple Heart for bravery during the Vietnam War and was honorably retired due to wounds received in that conflict.

He served as an officer and later as a supervisor for the Nassau County Police Department for more than 32 years and was the youngest supervisor in the history of the NCPD.

Belesi served as the Senior Advisor for the Minority Nassau County Legislature from 2007-2009 and has the distinct honor of being the first Nassau County Police Officer to be elected County Legislator.

As a Legislator representing the 14th District, his accomplishments toward the betterment of our Village include the Farmingdale Streetscape project, Village Hall and Fire Department Roof Repair, Farmingdale Fire Department Entry Doors and our magnificent lighted Flag Pole on the Village Green, which was dedicated this past summer, Ekstrand said.

The 14th district covers parts of North Massapequa, East Massapequa, Seaford, North Wantagh, Levittown, Old Bethpage, Bethpage, Plainedge, Farmingdale and South Farmingdale.

He currently serves as the Chair of the Veterans and Senior Affairs Committee, Vice-Chair of the Public Safety Committee, and as a member of the Minority Affairs Committee, as well as the Economic & Community Development & Labor Committee. In the community, Belesi is a member of the Sons of Italy in America, the Knights of Pythias, serves on the Executive Board of the Italian Americans in Government Service. He is a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, and was a little league coach.

The outgoing legislator will be recognized and honored with a proclamation at the weekly Village meeting at Village Hall Dec. 2.