Suffolk Courts Host Ceremony Honoring Court Officers for Valor and Decades of Service

By George Mcgregor On Jul 31, 2026

The court officer honorees stand with administrators and local officials: (L-R front row) County Executive Edward Romaine, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division for the 2^nd Department Hector LaSalle, Chief of Public Safety for Suffolk Courts David Santiago, Major Karen Marro, Deputy Chief of New York’s Office of Court Administration Frank Casiano, Officer David Knapp, Officer Matthew Pantoja, Officer Lloyd Booth, Officer Jonathan Leone, Officer Michael Keneski, Suffolk District Administrative Judge Andrew Crecca, and First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George. (L-R back row) Officer Keith Topper, Lieutenant William Sullivan, Captain Michael Mattera (in back), Lieutenant Richard Hilary, Officer James Vergano, Officer Joseph Giannini, and Officer Joseph Ottaviano.

Riverhead, NY – District Administrative Judge Andrew A. Crecca is honored to announce that the Suffolk County Courts held an award ceremony yesterday to recognize five New York State Court Officers for their exceptional acts of valor over the past year, along with a separate tribute to court officers who have served the courts for more than three decades. The event took place yesterday in the Ceremonial Courtroom of the Hon. Alan D. Oshrin Supreme Court Building in Riverhead.

*First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George gives a keynote address commending the bravery and dedication of Suffolk’s court officers.*

The ceremony drew a large audience of judges, court administrators, local officials, and members of the broader court community, underscoring the deep respect and appreciation felt for the officers being honored. Adding to the significance of the event, New York’s First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George and Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department, Hector D. LaSalle were on hand to congratulate the court officer honorees. Also in attendance were Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine, District Executive Lorie-Ann Bitetti, Chief Frank Casiano of New York’s Office of Court Administration, Chief of Public Safety for Suffolk Courts David Santiago, as well as representatives from the Offices of the District Attorney and Legal Aid.

*Chief of Public Safety for Suffolk Courts David Santiago leads the ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance while Suffolk County judges look on.*

First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge St. George presented certificates for acts of valor to five officers whose dedication and courage exemplify the highest standards of public service: Lloyd Booth, Michael Keneski, David Knapp, Jonathan Leone, and Matthew Pantoja.

“We gather to honor and celebrate the great court officers who show us the true meaning of heroism,” said Justice St. George. “The Unified Court System takes great pride in the professionalism, dedication, and heroic action demonstrated by these exemplary officers.”

Chief of Public Safety for Suffolk Courts David Santiago is recognized for his distinguished tenure of service of more than 30 years in uniform. He is surrounded by (L-R): Deputy Chief of New York’s Office of Court Administration Frank Casiano, County Executive Edward Romaine, Suffolk District Administrative Judge Andrew Crecca, First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George, and Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division for the 2nd Department Hector LaSalle. — Chief of Public Safety for Suffolk Courts David Santiago is recognized for his distinguished tenure of service of more than 30 years in uniform. He is surrounded by (L-R): Deputy Chief of New York’s Office of Court Administration Frank Casiano, County Executive Edward Romaine, Suffolk District Administrative Judge Andrew Crecca, First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George, and Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division for the 2^nd Department Hector LaSalle.

Whether off duty as passers-by or on duty outside the courthouse, each of the five honorees intervened in active disturbances between combative civilians and responding police officers by identifying themselves as court officers and assisting in safely subduing and arresting those individuals.

According to Suffolk’s Chief of Court Security, David Santiago, “each of their responses undoubtedly protected the safety of the struggling officers, the civilians now in custody, and the public at large.” While commending these officers for their acts of heroism, County Executive Romaine added, “without our court officers, we could not have the quality of justice that we have today.”

Lieutenant Richard Hilary is congratulated by First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George for his more than 30 years of service to the court while Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division for the 2nd Department Hector LaSalle looks on. — Lieutenant Richard Hilary is congratulated by First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George for his more than 30 years of service to the court while Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division for the 2^nd Department Hector LaSalle looks on.

Yesterday’s event also recognized Suffolk’s court officers who have served for over thirty years, acknowledging their lifelong commitment to the safety and daily operation of the Suffolk Courts. This year’s honorees were, by order of their term of service:

*Suffolk District Administrative Judge Andrew Crecca gives welcoming remarks at the Court Officer Recognition Ceremony in Riverhead.*

Officer James Grant, Officer Keith Topper, Major Karen Morro, Captain Michael Mattera, Chief David Santiago, Lieutenant William Sullivan, Lieutenant Richard Hilary, Officer James Vergano, Officer Joseph Giannini, and Officer Joseph Ottaviano.

“Court officers are the silent heroes of our justice system,” Administrative Judge Crecca said during closing remarks. “Day after day, they serve as the public face of our courts, and they respond to unpredictable situations with steady professionalism while putting their own safety on the line to help others. By ensuring a safe and stable environment, they enable the very delivery of justice.”

To continue the celebration, the courthouse community and families of honorees were invited to a lunch reception after the ceremony in the courthouse’s attorney lounge.

Chief of Public Safety for Suffolk Courts David Santiago shares with the audience the heroic acts by Officers Lloyd Booth (L) and Jonathan Leone (R) when assisting a police officer during the arrest of a combative civilian.

The court extends its sincere gratitude to yesterday’s honorees and to all Suffolk court officers for their enduring service, courage, and commitment – qualities that continue to strengthen and protect the administration of justice in our community. The Suffolk Courts remain dedicated to supporting these officers and ensuring the continued safety and integrity of the court community.