Staff

Austin Glickman has been involved with the emergency services field since 2008 when he joined the City of Long Beach Volunteer Fire Department as a bright-eyed 18-year-old. Austin quickly realized his passion for helping others and went on to continue his volunteer service as an EMT for the State University of Cortland, his alma-mater. After graduating SUNY Cortland in 2012 with a Bachelors in History, Austin obtained his Masters in Public Administration for Emergency and Disaster Management from the Metropolitan College of New York. Prior to graduating in 2013, Austin accepted a position with the Mount Sinai Health System as an Emergency Management Project Coordinator. This is where he would stay up until he received “the call” from the New York City Police Department.

On July 7th, 2014, Austin Glickman raised his hand with over 1,000 other individuals as they swore-in to the New York City Police Academy.  However, within just a few short weeks of starting his police career, the world would forever change following national news stories which fueled protests and riots throughout the country. Just three weeks prior to his academy graduation, NYPD Detectives Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos were assassinated in Brooklyn, an attack directly fueled by false media narratives. Following this tragic incident, Officer Glickman began formulating the idea for a national nonprofit organization which would eventually become Law Enforcement Officers Weekend.

Since then, Officer Glickman has continued his career with the NYPD, currently serving within Police Headquarters. Prior to his current position, Austin worked in the 30th Precinct, which covers West Harlem and Hamilton Heights in Manhattan as a Patrol Officer and Neighborhood Coordination Officer. Austin has been awarded multiple citations throughout his young career and strives to promote courtesy, professionalism and respect; the three pillars of the New York City Police Department.

In 2008, Zach started his public safety career as a volunteer firefighter on Long Island, New York. He has been an active member of the fire service and has held multiple positions, including the rank of Captain. Zach is also a certified Fire Instructor for the State of New York and teaches many courses to local fire departments. In 2008 Zach worked for the City of Long Beach Police Department as a Special Police Officer assigned to the city parks. Currently a member of the Long Island Surgeons Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, and serving as the Sgt At Arms, Zach has always been a huge supporter of law enforcement. Additionally, Zach holds multiple certifications and corporate positions within the field of OSHA and site safety. 

In 2016, Zach joined the LEO Weekend team as Director of Public Relations and was quickly promoted to Director of Operations, followed by his current position as Vice President. “The LEO Weeknd team is a big family from a diverse background. Seeing the faces and smiles from the families we bring to our weekend events makes me feel great! Knowing that all of our hard work and dedication is truly paying off when we see those smiles… it’s the only paycheck we’ll ever need.”

Christopher Koehle comes from a large family of law enforcement, with family representing the NYPD, Nassau County PD, New York State Troopers, Vermont State Troopers and Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. 

Chris started his emergency services career as a Long Beach Lifeguard and then served as a Professional Firefighter/ Paramedic for the City of Long Beach Fire Department before being sworn in as a Nassau County Police Officer. He is currently assigned to the Bureau of Special Operations and previously worked in the 1st Precinct, Uniondale Post 107. This Post was particularly special, as it was once worked by Nassau County Police Officer Arthur “Artie” Lopez whom was killed in the Line of Duty on October 23, 2012. Artie’s sister, Charo, is a big supporter of our organization and attends events on a monthly basis.

“I felt a great honor to work Artie’s car and it was especially an honor to meet Artie’s sister, Charo Lopez, who is now an Executive Support Member with LEO Weekend. I believe having the support of your family is the most important factor in order to be an effective Police Officer and to cope with the stresses of the job. Without the support of my family I could never do what I do everyday. I believe in the mission of LEO Weekend because we all need a break to have some fun. Not just the cops, but the families of cops too. Families of officers are effected by the profession just as much as the officer themselves. Officers need to support the families of our fellow LEOs. It is our duty to care for the families who’ve been affected by injured or killed in the Line of Duty.”

Anthony Cuevas started his career in Emergency Services in 1996 as a Firefighter and EMT on Long Island, New York. He rose through the ranks to Chief of Department for the City of Long Beach Fire Department in the months following Super Storm Sandy in 2012. Anthony was a 9/11 first responder and in addition, a recipient of a Silver Medal of Valor from Nassau County, one of the highest honors. The Silver Star Commendation was awarded to Anthony for a life-saving rescue he completed of a mother and her child from their burning home.

In 2010, Anthony was sworn in as A Nassau County Sheriff to start his career in Law Enforcement. Anthony is a member of F.O.P Lodge 69 and also works as an independent contractor as a Safety Officer for Incident Management Solutions.

“When approached to join the LEO Weekend Board, I didn’t think twice about accepting. To work with this team of dedicated volunteers is an HONOR. The time and effort that goes into organizing and planning events for the families of our fallen and injured is tiresome but well worth it. We must not forget our fallen, but most of all we must not forget the loved ones of who were left behind. LEO Weekend’s goal is to support our brothers and sisters in blue at a time of need and give them a little bit of normalcy… and for that, I’m all in.”

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for another .”

Martin joined the NYPD in 2000 and shortly there after, responded to the World Trade Center attacks on September 11th, 2001. Martin would work a fulfilling career as a police officer until 2013, when he achieved the great distinction of being promoted to Detective Specialist. Martin would continue serving the City of New York until his retirement in 2021.

Aside from being a police officer, Martin would later join the United States Coast Guard in 2012 and was quickly promoted to Maritime Enforcement Specialist 3rd Class. Martin is currently assigned to the USCG Police at Sector New York as a 2nd Class Petty Officer. 

“I am proud to work with LEO Weekend as the Director of Public Relations because helping the families of the fallen is necessary. The Law Enforcement community is a family. We all share the love and passion of service to others. There’s no greater calling. When an officer is lost or injured in the line of duty, it is our responsibility to take care of their family.”

In 2009, Kevin Bernstein started his career as a volunteer firefighter on Long Island, New York. He has served within the ranks of the fire service and is currently a member of the Extrication Team, Water Rescue Team and Training Committee. In 2016, Kevin joined the FDNY as an EMT and was later promoted to Firefighter where he attended the FDNY Training Academy. Kevin comes from a strong family of law enforcement, is a NYS Peace Officer and has always been a strong supporter of Law Enforcement. In 2018, Kevin joined the LEO Weekend team as the Fundraising Coordinator and was quickly promoted to Director of Event Logistics.

“LEO Weekend is more than a vacation or a get away for the families. It’s also a reminder that those who serve and their families are forever apart of a bigger family and have us as a support system.”

Joseph Ryder is currently a New York City Police Officer and previously worked as a radio reporter with the NPR affiliate station WSHU and FOX News Radio and Headlines 24/7. Joseph has also worked as photojournalist and filmmaker. Along with working as a Police Officer, Joseph is a freelance photographer for the New York Mets.

Joseph began working with Law Enforcement Officers Weekend in 2019 to create compelling visual imagery and capture video and stills to create videos and albums so that the families we work with have a way of remembering our special events for a lifetime.

Al Eskanazy’s illustrious insurance career spanned four decades. As Principal & Co-CEO of The Morstan General Agency, Inc.-a national insurance intermediary with locations in multiple states- With its home office on Manhasset Long Island, Morstan was amongst the larger employers on Long Island NY, and had a sales base exceeding $400,000,000 annually. Eskanazy retired in 2016 after leading the sale of Morstan to Brown & Brown (Hull & Company)-a publicly traded firm on the New York Stock Exchange.

Al is also the co-founder of Single Entry Systems Computer Software Company, a patent holder, developing products that specialize in streamlining Insurance operations workflows. 

A recognized philanthropist, Al is an inductee of the Long Island Volunteer Hall of Fame. His commitment to community includes his service on Boards, Advisory Boards and various committees. His most enduring commitment has been as founding President (since 1998) and Chair of Ascent: A School for Individuals with Autism— named a “Model program for the education of children diagnosed with Autism”, Ascent is A NY State tuition-free Charter school.

Upon Al’s retirement from the insurance industry, Al became a Peace Officer of the Division of Criminal Justice Services of New York State. Al currently serves as a Detective assigned to the Nassau County SPCA Criminal Abuse section.

In 2015 Eskanazy was honored as “Man of the Year” by the Nassau County Police Department Explorers. His commitment to Law Enforcement includes his service on the Board to the Explorers as well as on the Advisory Board to the Nassau County Police Department Foundation. Al is a former Director of the New York Centurion Foundation and the South Florida Crime Commission Foundation. A member of the NCPD Reserves, Al is also an alum of the U.S. Marine Executive Forum, and the FBI Citizens Academy.

In 2018, Al co-founded and is chairman of the Community-Police Relations Foundation (formerly known as the Greater Miami-Miami Beach Police Foundation) and the New York’s Elite Police Foundation; these 501(c)(3) organizations function in support of building relationships between Community and Law Enforcement in times of fraternity and distress.

David is the son of a NYC police officer who has spent his entire career helping the law enforcement community.  Upon graduation from Boston College Law School he began representing labor unions, and law enforcement unions in particular.  As founder and managing partner of Davis & Ferber, LLP the firm is proud to now represent over 50 labor unions including over 30 law enforcement groups.  The firm assists labor organizations in negotiations, grievances, arbitrations, disciplinary matters, and PERB hearings.  For members, the firm provides almost all personal legal services needed: wills, divorces house closings, car accidents, medical malpractice, trusts, estates, etc.

Upon introduction to LEO Weekend David immediately offered his support.  He now volunteers his time as counsel to the Organization in appreciation of the sacrifices made by the members and their families.  Please feel free to call him if you are ever in need of assistance. (631) 543-2900

Darren Brennan joins Law Enforcement Officers Weekend with approximately 25 years of experience in emergency services. Throughout his career, Mr. Brennan has worked as a New York City Police Officer, New York City Firefighter, a Special Deputy United States Marshal and a Police Officer for a department on Long Island. After commencing his careers and attending multiple academies, Mr. Brennan continued his education with postgraduate studies in Social Work, Public Administration, and Business Communication. In addition, Mr. Brennan holds a graduate certificate from Harvard University with a major focus on Grant Writing. Through his education and professional experiences, he has successfully obtained grants procuring emergency service equipment. Furthermore, Mr. Brennan located, coordinated and presented information that culminated with his agency entering into a Joint Law Enforcement Officer Operation with the Federal Government. This joint operation provided significant federal funding, intelligence sharing, training and equipment to be utilized for a common goal in both multi-jurisdictional and agency.

As a police officer, he has had the opportunity to teach numerous seminars on identifying illicit drug use and the proper administration of Naloxone (Narcan) for both local residents and fellow law enforcement officers. As a first responder during the World Trade Center attack, Mr. Brennan has dedicated a tremendous amount of time to helping others that have become ill with 9/11 related conditions.

Additionally, partially due to his Graduate Social Work education and practicum he became a strong proponent of first responders and military personnel experiencing PTSD and/or related conditions receiving necessary treatments and resources to ensure their needs are being met. Mr. Brennan along with Board Members of Law Enforcement Officers Weekend are available and willing to assist law enforcement officers and their families in locating and coordinating necessary resources to meet their individual needs.

Genesis Familia is the eldest surviving daughter of slain NYPD Detective Miosotis Familia. On July 5th, 2017 Detective Familia was assassinated while working in the Bronx because of the blue uniform she wore. The result of Detective Familia’s tragic assassination meant tgt her 3 children were left behind—her 20 year old daughter Genesis, her 12 year old son Peter, and her 12 year old daughter Delilah. Immediately following her mother’s horrific muder, Genesis stepped up to the role of “mom” in order to take care of her younger brother and sister, and dedicated her life to raising her brother and sister full time as an adoptive parent. This hugely important parental role forced Genesis to grow up very fast while shouldering all parental responsibilities and the trauma from losing her mom. Only a very few people experience the kind of hardships and trauma that surviving families of officers killed in the line of duty have to forever live with, and some will never understand what it means to live with this kind of tragedy. 

In June of 2018, Genesis and her siblings were invited to LEO Weekend in Lake George and it was the first time that she and her siblings had a few days of normalcy. Peter and Delilah were allowed to be carefree children again and their only worries were which fun activities to take part in and which restaurant to go to. This was also the first time that Genesis was given a break from her stressful life. The weekend in Lake George was a much needed respite for Genesis and the kids especially since the 1st year anniversary commemorating their mom, Detective Miosotis Familia, was coming up in the next month. Only a very few people experience the kind of hardships and trauma that surviving families of officers killed or injured in the line of duty have to forever live with, and some will never understand what it means to live with this kind of tragedy. To this day, Genesis still values the amazing weekend in Lake George that LEO Weekend gave her and her family, and has since joined the organization that helps police families in this way.