Vincent Maio, Community Liaison Officer
Suffolk County Police Department
Patchogue, NY
Officer Maio is the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for Suffolk County's 5th Precinct, a role dedicated to building relationships with schools, civic organizations, businesses, and community groups. The Community Relations Bureau oversees programs like Coffee with a Cop, National Night Out, youth outreach, school visits, PAL, Clippers N Cops, Barber, Beauty & Books, and many other initiatives. Officer Vincent Maio exemplifies what it means to serve beyond the badge. While attending a community event, Officer Maio met 11-year-old brain cancer survivor Dilara Coker. During their conversation, he learned about her courageous journey through cancer treatment and her dream of one day becoming a baker. Rather than simply offering words of encouragement, Officer Maio took action. Recognizing an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the life of a child who had already overcome unimaginable challenges, Officer Maio personally coordinated with local businesses to create an unforgettable experience. Through his leadership, Dilara spent the day at La Roma Pastry Shop learning alongside professional bakers and was also treated to a special day at a local salon, making her dream come true and celebrating her strength, resilience, and recovery. This act was not part of a criminal investigation, emergency response, or required police duty. It was a genuine act of compassion that reflects the very heart of community policing. Officer Maio's efforts united law enforcement, local businesses, and community members around one purpose: bringing hope to a child who deserved to be celebrated. His initiative strengthened trust between the police department and the community, inspired countless people through positive media coverage, and demonstrated that the impact of a police officer extends far beyond enforcing the law. Officer Maio's service embodies each of the Do Good Heroes selection criteria: Positive Community Impact: Created a meaningful, life-changing experience for a young cancer survivor while inspiring hope throughout the community Enhancing Community Culture and Pride: Brought together local businesses, citizens, and the Suffolk County Police Department in a powerful demonstration of kindness, compassion, and community partnership Exemplary Leadership: Identified a need, took personal initiative, coordinated multiple community partners, and transformed a simple conversation into an extraordinary act of service Proven Record of Service Excellence: Serves as a Community Liaison Officer dedicated to building relationships, supporting youth, and strengthening community trust through positive engagement Highest Moral and Ethical Standards: Demonstrates humility, compassion, integrity, and a sincere commitment to improving the lives of others without seeking recognition
"Officer Vincent Maio reminds us that the greatest acts of service often happen when no one is required to help, but someone chooses to anyway. His compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving others beyond his public safety responsibilities make him an exceptional and deserving recipient of recognition as a National Life Group Do Good Hero," said Coffey.
