Grand Marshals for Massapequa Chamber of Commerce Inaugural St. Patrick’s Day Parade

๐Ÿ€๐ŸŽ‰ CONGRATULATIONS! ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿ€ We’re thrilled to announce Nassau County Police Department Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder as a Grand Marshal for the inaugural Massapequa Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick’s Day Parade! ๐ŸŒˆ With 42 years of law enforcement experience, Commissioner Ryder has dedicated his career to keeping our communities safe. His commitment to public safety and community well-being is a shining example of selfless dedication. Join us in congratulating Commissioner Ryder on this well-deserved honor! ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿ€๐ŸŽ‰

Learn More About NCPD Commissioner Ryder!

Patrick J. Ryder was named Acting Police Commissioner of the Nassau County Police Department inn 2017 and in February 2018 he was named Police Commissioner. He is in his 42nd year in law enforcement, serving the last 38 years with the Nassau County Police Department. Commissioner Ryder began his law enforcement career with the New York City Police Department on January 4, 1984. He joined the NCPD on July 18, 1986 and was assigned to the 3rd Precinct. In 1989, he was assigned to the Bureau of Special Operations. Following his promotion to Sergeant in 1995 he was assigned to the 5th Precinct, 8th Squad, and the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) as the Deputy Commanding Officer. In 2008 he was designated the Commanding Officer of Asset Forfeiture & Intelligence (AFI), where he proactively implemented a number of life-saving programs and initiatives that helped ensure officer and public safety. These include the NCPDโ€™s Real-Time Intelligence (RTI) system; the R.E.A.C.H. Program; the Civilian Intelligence Analyst Program; the DNA Collection Initiative; and the creation of the Counter-Terrorism Unit, Think Tank, and the Departmentโ€™s Criminal Intelligence Rapid Response Team (CIRRT). Together these initiatives have brought crime in Nassau County to historic lows, allowing residents to enjoy one of the lowest crime rates in the United States. In 2022, Nassau County was named the โ€œSafest Community in Americaโ€ by U.S. News and World Report for the third year in a row.

Commissioner Ryder has a Masterโ€™s Degree in Homeland Security and Management from Long Island University. He is an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice and Intelligence-Led Policing at Nassau Community College and taught at Dowling College until 2015. He currently sits on the Advisory Board for Criminal Justice at SUNY Farmingdale and has been a Counter-Terrorism Lecturer at the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security. Commissioner Ryder is a NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services-Certified Law Enforcement Instructor, a NYS Certified Crime and Intelligence Analyst, a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, and has Top Secret clearance with the FBIโ€™s New York Field Office. He has also been deputized as an IRS Criminal Investigator. Additionally, he has trained members of law enforcement agencies from Egypt, Tajikistan, Tunisia, South Africa, and Turkey. He and his wife Jill have three children: Liam, Sean, and Meghan.


๐Ÿ€๐ŸŽ‰ CONGRATULATIONS! ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿ€ We’re thrilled to announce our very own Gary Slavin as a Grand Marshal for the inaugural Massapequa Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick’s Day Parade! ๐ŸŒˆ As a Past President and current Board Member, Gary’s dedication and commitment to our community are truly inspiring. He is a renowned financial services professional, community leader, and dedicated Chamber member, and we’re so proud to have him serve in this special role! Join us in congratulating Gary on this well-deserved honor! ๐ŸŽ‰

Learn More About Gary!

A distinguished financial services professional with over four decades of experience in asset management, employee benefits, and insurance consulting. Currently serving as a Financial Services Representative and Employee Benefits Counselor at Mass Mutual, managing over $70 million in client assets and overseeing benefits for more than 900 families while leading a team of advisors and support staff.

Recognized as a member of the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (Life Member) – an achievement reached by only 1% of industry professionals – and holder of multiple professional designations including Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow (LUTCF), and Certified Long Term Care Counselor (CLTC). Expertise extends to Series 7, 6, and 63 licenses, with specialized knowledge in the Affordable Care Act, contributing to its implementation taskforce in New York State.

A distinguished business leader with extensive experience in both insurance and community development. Leadership roles include former President of the Professional Insurance Agents of New York, Massapequa Chamber of Commerce, Nassau Shores Civic Association, and East End Disability Foundation, Treasurer of the Nassau Council of Chamber of Commerce. Notable recognitions include induction into the Massapequa Hall of Fame, MetLife’s “Life of Significance” Award, and the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year award.

Led major initiatives to advance the insurance industry across New York State while simultaneously fostering local business growth and economic development in Nassau County. Demonstrated expertise in industry advocacy, regulatory affairs, and community leadership through these pivotal roles representing both statewide insurance professionals and local business interests. As President of the Professional Insurance Agents of New York he successfully lobbied for four bills that eventually passed by both houses of the New York Legislature, the Governor signed three into law and at this time waiting on the fourth to be signed.

A Marist College graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing, supplemented by financial planning studies at C.W. Post. Currently serves on the boards of the New York State Professional Insurance Agents and Massapequa Chamber of Commerce, continuing a legacy of community involvement recognized by the Town of Oyster Bay for contributions to the “Field of Dreams” park project.