Nassau Executive Bruce Blakeman rolled up to the Department of Public Works Wednesday with stacks of hot pizza pies for the county’s hard working, snow-fighting crews after this week’s historic blizzard.
The county executive, who is also the GOP-nominee for this year’s gubernatorial election, personally thanked the snow plow operators and delivered 30 pizzas to dozens of workers — many of whom worked around the clock for the better part of two days to keep Nassau’s roads clear.
“It’s the least we can do — show them a little appreciation for the hard work and the great job that they do,” Blakeman told reporters Wednesday at King Umberto’s pizzeria in Elmont.
The pies were purchased as part of a massive fundraiser honoring Nassau County Police Officer Pamela Espinosa, 42, who was allegedly killed by drunk driver Matthew Smith late last month.
More than 300 local pizzerias on Wednesday donated $5 to Espinosa’s family for each pie sold, with Blakeman blending his thank-you to Nassau’s storm crews with his continued support for the fallen officer and her loved ones.
Blakeman noted how essential the crews have been over the last few days, detailing the harsh conditions and the long hours put in to keep the county operational.
“Most people were snuggled in their bed, taking it easy and sleeping — [the snow-plow crews] were out on the roads in dangerous and treacherous conditions,” Blakeman said.
After handing over the pies, Blakeman personally thanked the workers, told them about the tragic passing of Espinosa and asked that they keep her family in their thoughts as they shared the meal.
Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti later matched Blakeman and arrived with another 30 pies for the crews, totaling 60 full pizzas for the hardworking laborers and at least $300 in donations towards Espinosa’s family from the gesture.
And the pies, according to the crews indulging, were much appreciated.
“It’s nice, especially after working so hard the last few days,” one worker, who only identified as Kirk, told The Post.
Kirk, who has been on the job for over 25 years, explained that although he is a veteran snow-plower and has worked through the worst storms in the region for most of his life, Monday’s storm “was nothing easy.”
He said he and his crews took more than 50 hours to clear their assigned areas, more than double the usual time of roughly 20 hours that it normally takes to clear the roads after a bad storm.
“[Monday’s work] was harder than we’ve had in a while,” Kirk said.
