Suffolk County Police Asian Jade Society Rings in Year of the Fire Horse

The Suffolk County Police Asian Jade Society gathered officers, civic leaders, elected officials, and community members at The Hamlet Golf and Country Club on March 5 to usher in the Year of the Fire Horse at its annual Lunar New Year celebration, complete with cultural performances and honors for five individuals who have supported law enforcement and community engagement.

Founded in 2014 as a fraternal organization of the Suffolk County Police Department, Asian Jade has grown into what Southshore Press describes as the oldest and largest Asian American law enforcement organization on Long Island. Its mission centers on fostering community engagement, promoting cultural awareness, and supporting law enforcement initiatives within the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in Suffolk County.

The banquet recognized attorney Gregory Caggiano, Esq., founding partner of Miller & Caggiano, LLP, which maintains offices in Bohemia and Garden City; New York State Senator Monica R. Martinez; Suffolk County Legislator James Mazzarella; James M. Gruenfelder, president of the Suffolk County Superior Officers Association; and the late Dr. Ahmed Elkoulily.

Thomas Joy, the organization's co-founder, vice president, and SCPD police officer, framed the society's work in expansive terms. "Our goal is to connect law enforcement with Asian Americans," Joy said. "The Asian community spans from the Turkish Bosphorus to Hawaii. It's a broad and diverse umbrella, and we aim to build bridges within that community."

Joy also spoke to the partnership that makes the organization's work possible. "We couldn't do our job without the help of the public and those who support our organization," he said. "We're grateful for the individuals who contribute to the causes we champion."

In his closing remarks, Joy extended gratitude to the crowd and signaled ambitions for the year ahead: "thank you to everyone here for your steadfast support and partnership over this past decade and we look forward to growing Asian Jade Society's outreach in the coming year."

The 2026 event drew representatives from all levels of law enforcement, government, and the judicial branch, along with nonprofit organizations and community partners. It continues a tradition that has drawn prominent local figures in prior years as well. At the society's March 2024 banquet, which marked the Year of the Dragon, Fourth District Legislator Nick Caracappa called the gathering exceptional. "The people, the food and the cultural experience were all amazing," Caracappa said at the time. "Congratulations to all of this year's award recipients! All very well deserved.