Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rep. Andrew Garbarino Tours NCPD Training Village

By Michele Justic

County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Chaplain Rabbi Elie Weinstock at the David S Mack Training Center

NCPD Safety officials assist Peter King, Andrew Garbarino, Bruce Blakeman, Patrick Ryder, and Legislator Patrick Mullaney

County Executive Bruce Blakeman at the Terror Tuesday NCPD Meeting

A sample home at the NCPD Training Village

Every Tuesday in Nassau County, law enforcement officials gather to confront the threats that hopefully never materialize. Dubbed “Terror Tuesday,” the weekly intelligence briefing brings together federal, state, and local homeland security partners to discuss emerging risks, refine response strategies, and foster interagency collaboration. As County Executive Bruce Blakeman explains, it’s all about “talking about threats and tactics, and building networks to ensure we have a safer region.”

On Tuesday, August 5, Nassau County Police Department welcomed Congressman Andrew Garbarino, newly appointed Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, and former Congressman Peter King, the founding Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security and a respected voice on counterterrorism, to join the meeting. Together, they toured the state-of-the-art facility, observed live demonstrations, and experienced firsthand why Nassau County is fast becoming a national model for law enforcement training.

Their visit began in the David S. Mack Center for Training and Intelligence in Garden City, where Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder led them through a space brimming with real-time information. Massive monitors displayed live feeds of public spaces, drone activity, and “ShotSpotter” technology—software that pinpoints the exact location of gunfire, triggering instant responses from officers and medical teams. Alerts from schools and private institutions came in via the “Rave app,” a tool that connects over 450 buildings directly to police—often faster than calling 911.

“This is the hub,” Commissioner Ryder explained. “What you’re seeing on these boards is what’s happening across the county right now—every second.”

The scope and integration of intelligence sharing left an impression on Rep. Garbarino, who praised the seamless collaboration between agencies. “It was great to see our federal, state, and local partners sharing information,” he said. “This didn’t exist prior to 9/11. What Nassau has built here is extraordinary.”

The tour continued through the groundbreaking Nassau County Police Department Training Village—a 2-acre replica of a downtown area built specifically for immersive, scenario-based training. Commissioner Ryder has said that real policework can’t be taught from PowerPoint slides. His vision for this facility was to create a real-world environment where officers are tested in high-pressure, unpredictable situations.

The village features mock settings like a coffee shop, bar, restaurant, train station (complete with an actual Long Island Rail Road car), and even a fully functioning house of worship. On this visit, Garbarino and King and 5TJT witnessed a simulated active shooter event in a school, as officers raced to the scene, cleared rooms, and neutralized the threat.

“These are the types of situations we hope never happen,” said Blakeman, “but our officers have to be ready. This facility ensures that they are.”

Frequent, more routine simulations are also practiced, including incidents involving rowdy LIRR passengers or pedestrians hit by a train. Officers are evaluated not just on their tactics but also on their communication, coordination, and decision-making under pressure. The training often continues into courtroom simulations, where officers must testify—completing the full arc from arrest to prosecution.

Among the most unique aspects of the Training Village is the multi-faith “House of Worship,” sponsored by the Maidenbaum Tax Group. Designed with flexibility in mind, the space transforms into a synagogue, church, or mosque to reflect the diversity of Nassau’s communities. Commissioner Ryder personally crafted the pulpit, along with details such as a replica Torah, prayer mats, and pews that can be rearranged to fit each religious setting.

“Maidenbaum Tax Group has been part of Nassau County for a long time,” said Shalom Maidenbaum. “Our philosophy is ‘FROM THE COMMUNITY. FOR THE COMMUNITY.’ We are proud to support this public-private partnership that acknowledges and respects the county’s religious diversity while enhancing safety for all.”

Chairman Garbarino was visibly moved by the innovation, commitment, and professionalism on display. “I didn’t know what to expect today, and even my dreams couldn’t have reached what I saw,” he said. “This is a very special place—and a place where we should bring law enforcement from all over the country.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting local law enforcement at the federal level. “I’ve told the County Executive that whatever resources he needs, I’m going to get it for him,” he said. “I will work closely with the President and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to ensure that Nassau County remains a national leader in public safety.”

Former Congressman Peter King echoed that sentiment. “I know for a fact that New York City, Nassau, and Suffolk are still the number one terrorist targets in the country. We’re lucky to have Andrew as Chairman. Not everybody in Congress is our friend—but Andrew is going to be our very best friend.”

The learning doesn’t stop at county lines. Commissioner Ryder is scheduled to travel to Israel this September to meet with Israeli Defense Forces and security officials. His goal: to exchange ideas and strategies with one of the world’s most experienced counterterrorism communities.

County Executive Blakeman added that the Training Village isn’t just for the police—it’s open to other agencies and community groups to use for drills and education. “This is about creating a safer region for everyone,” he said. “And we’re proud to share our resources to make that happen.”

{A National Model of Preparedness

As threats continue to evolve, so must the people and tools tasked with preventing them. Nassau County has taken that challenge seriously—transforming how officers train, how agencies communicate, and how communities are protected.

A month after the ribbon cutting with US Attorney General Pam Bondi, Chairman Garbarino’s visit marked the continuation of a deeper federal partnership and recognition of what’s working right here in Long Island. With visionary leadership, public-private support, and unmatched training facilities, Nassau County is not only prepared for today’s challenges—it’s setting the standard for the nation.